Stephen A. Smith Predicts Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Join Same NBA Team originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Besides the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, who are still focused on raising a championship banner, the rest of the league has its eyes set on improving its rosters next year. Some names that have been floated as potentially being on the move include Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant.
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The Greek Freak just posted his third straight campaign averaging over 30 points, tagged along with 11.9 rebounds and a career high 6.5 assists per game.
Despite everything he’s given the organization, there is speculation that the two-time MVP wants out of Milwaukee due to the team’s consistent lack of postseason success. The Bucks have failed to make it out of the first round in each of their last three playoff appearances.
The Phoenix Suns’ power forward is coming off season averages of 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game across 62 appearances.
The Suns actively shopped Durant at this year’s trade deadline and ultimately failed to reach a deal. They were then eliminated from playoff contention before the end of the regular season.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35).© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
On Monday morning’s segment of ESPN’s “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith revealed his top five trade destinations for both Antetokounmpo and Durant.
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He named the New York Knicks as the number one option for both forwards, suggesting the two could join forces at Madison Square Garden soon.
“The New York Knicks. The market. The Mecca. Madison Square Garden. Center Stage,” declared Smith, a vocal Knicks fan. “Jalen Brunson in the house. Keep Anunoby if you can. You can let Bridges go. Hell, if you had to lose Karl-Anthony Towns for him (Antetokounmpo). Yes. Yes.”
Then Smith went on to discuss Durant.
“Now him, that might be because he’s 30 going 36 years of age. You understand what I’m saying?” Smith added. “I don’t know, but I’m very certain about that. Either way you slice it, KD, [expletive] it, your [expletive] should have been in New York to begin with! You should have never went to Brooklyn.”
The Knicks appear to be in clear “win-now” mode following the dismissal of five-year head coach Tom Thibodeau, despite the franchise reaching its first Conference Finals in 25 years.
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New York is currently still in the market for a head coach, analyzing several options to fill the role.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.