Remember the 2019 Kevin Durant and New York Knicks saga? Back then, Durant was one of the most sought-after free agents available. No wonder the Knicks played hard to acquire him. Durant chose New York, but the Brooklyn Nets instead. Five years down the line, the picture seems to have reversed completely.
Despite his age, Durant has once again become one of the most coveted trade targets this summer. While many teams may vie for the Phoenix Suns star, one analyst has revealed that the Knicks ironically have no interest in acquiring KD. ESPN’s Marc Spears gave some glaring insight about Durant’s ongoing trade situation in Phoenix.
Knicks Don’t Want Kevin Durant Despite Interest From Him
Durant has spent four seasons (2019–2023) with the Brooklyn Nets, though he missed the entire 2019–20 season due to a torn Achilles suffered during the 2019 NBA Finals. Spears reported on NBA Today that Durant is interested in returning to New York, but this time to play for the Knicks. However, there’s no reciprocated interest on the Knicks’ front.
He says, “KD wanted the New York Knicks. He wanted to go there. The Knicks have no interest in bringing him in, which probably makes Knicks nation interested in why not.”
To Spears’ point, Knicks fans may be scratching their heads as to why the team isn’t pursuing the former MVP. Durant would seemingly fit their win-now timeline. After acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns last summer, New York is clearly aiming to contend for a championship in the near future, with 28-year-old captain Jalen Brunson firmly in his prime.
And who better to help than two-time Finals MVP in Durant, a proven winner that knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
KD Lists Preferred Trade Destinations
The Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets are reported to be Durant’s preferred trade destinations.
The Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets are 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant’s preferred trade destinations out of Phoenix, sources tell ESPN. Those across the NBA have been made aware in recent days that those are the three teams that Durant would commit to long-term. pic.twitter.com/Hqn5hDaWxC
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2025
Shams Charania states, “People across the NBA have been made aware in recent days that those are the three teams Durant would commit to with a long-term extension.”
He goes on to report, that the Suns have prioritized making the best deal for the franchise, even if it means trading Durant to a team outside his preferred list.
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This could spell bad news for any team outside the three destinations KD prefers, especially since he’s on an expiring $54.7 million contract for the 2025-26 season.
With rumors swirling that a Durant trade could happen around the 2025 NBA Draft, fans may not have to wait long to discover where the 15-time All-Star’s next home will be.
