The Phoenix Suns had high hopes when Kevin Durant joined their franchise in 2023. Although he was a seasoned veteran, a two-time NBA champion, and a winner of four scoring titles, he still couldn’t win a championship with the Suns. With the New York Knicks listed as one franchise for Durant to join, the deal has some issues.
With Durant’s performances looking acceptable, the Suns couldn’t get it going as a team with him in their starting lineup. Moreover, ESPN reported the five destinations where the team could use Durant’s incredible scoring ability. Yet, there’s a twist in the tale.
NBA Insider Confirms New York Knicks Remain Uninterested in Kevin Durant Trade
According to Knicks’ columnist Steve Popper, no reports suggest the Knicks are going all in for KD. The Knicks recently parted ways with coach Tom Thibodeau after losing the NBA Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers. With the franchise aiming to win a championship and cross the next hurdle, they want winners to lead their team.
But Popper articulated the Knicks’ disinterest in the trade after ESPN listed the potential destinations. According to Newsday, Popper cited, “ESPN reported Wednesday that the Knicks were among a group of five teams, along with the Rockets, Spurs, Heat and Timberwolves, that Durant and his business partner are interested in working with on a deal.”
He continued, “But a league source said that despite the Knicks being listed, the team was not interested in making a trade for Durant, who is entering the final year of his contract after playing 62 games and averaging an efficient 26.6 points per game.”
With teams like the Rockets, Spurs, and Timberwolves looking to place their final piece in the puzzle, Durant comes in with a hefty contract and solid efficiency. His scoring abilities would instantly improve any team that picks him.
But his massive contract could be why most teams would probably pull the plug.
High-Paying Contract Could Stall Deals for Durant
According to Spotrac, Durant signed a four-year, $194.2 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets and then was traded to the Suns. This season, he earned guaranteed cash of $49.8 million, which will ascend to $53.2 million for the next season. Entering his last year in the contract, the Suns are desperate to let him go and clear their books.
With the Suns set to offer a two-year, $150 million extension to Devin Booker, getting Durant off their payroll could help them accelerate the process. With KD becoming an unrestricted free agent after next season, he could stay with the Suns and get his last fat paycheck.
MORE: 2025 NBA Mock Draft Following Shocking Lottery Results
The Knicks insider’s reveal puts Durant in a precarious position. Some teams in the league would want his points-scoring ability, but the hefty contract becomes problematic.
