In a truly audacious proposal that only Colin Cowherd could make, the hot take sports analyst has sparked yet another fiery debate.
On his show, Cowherd suggested that the New York Knicks should make a blockbuster move to bring Kevin Durant to Madison Square Garden in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns.
It’s a trade idea that’s as bold as it is controversial, and it’s already dividing opinions among fans.
Colin Cowherd On Why Kevin Durant Is the Perfect Fit in New York
“Brunson and KAT flourish when the other is off the floor. It’s a your turn, my turn offense too often,” Cowherd said on his show. “So I would move off a talented, erratic KAT. They need KD. You’re going to get KAT’s points, 23 to 25 a game and he can play complementary basketball with Jalen Brunson. KAT really doesn’t.
“He can’t shoot the three consistently. They need a star who doesn’t need the ball in his hands a lot. They need length. They need a willing defender. They need a high basketball IQ because Brunson, Mikal Bridges, this is a smart basketball team and a pretty relentless coach. It all fits.”
“I would move off a talented, erratic KAT.”@ColinCowherd thinks the New York Knicks would be better off trading Karl-Anthony Towns and making a move to acquire Kevin Durant. pic.twitter.com/SVxq2D8DpG
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) May 26, 2025
Towns’ playoff performance has shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency remains an issue. So far in the playoffs, Towns is averaging 21.1 points and 11.3 rebounds while shooting 48.9% from the field. However, as Cowherd pointed out, he’s hitting just 37.5% from three-point range and hasn’t found a reliable rhythm from deep.
Meanwhile, Durant, the player Cowherd sees as the missing piece in New York, continues to play at an elite level. In 62 games this season, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. He shot 52.7% from the field and an impressive 43% from three-point range. Durant’s contract is valued at a hefty $194,219,320 over the next three seasons, a massive financial commitment for any team.
Potential Risks Of A Kevin Durant Trade
A trade of this magnitude, especially one that involves Towns, wouldn’t be easy for the Knicks. New York’s current center depth depends heavily on Towns and Mitchell Robinson, with Precious Achiuwa also providing limited minutes. Trading Towns would leave a significant hole in the frontcourt. Robinson has faced injury issues throughout his career, and Achiuwa hasn’t shown he can handle a larger role consistently.
Durant’s offensive abilities have been undeniable his whole career. But losing a primary scoring and rebounding big man — even one who can be erratic — might do more harm than good for the Knicks. Towns, despite his flaws, is a vital piece of the Knicks’ current competitive puzzle. Swapping him for an elite but aging superstar like Durant is a move that comes with serious risk.
At the end of the day, it’s a debate that cuts to the heart of what the Knicks want to be: a team that builds around its current core or one that’s willing to bet it all for a championship window that might only last a few years. One thing’s for sure: Cowherd’s proposal has gotten everyone talking.
