Brian Windhorst Hints At Kevin Durant’s Next NBA Team

Kevin Durant’s potential involvement in a trade with the New York Knicks is drawing increasing attention across the NBA landscape. After years of speculation, the conversation resurfaces as postseason dynamics and recent disappointments for both Durant and his team shift the league’s outlook.

Observers note that Durant’s situation is closely tied to the performance of his current team and other contenders. Playoff results can quickly change the priorities and strategies around the league.

The Phoenix Suns, despite boasting big names like Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, failed to reach the postseason. The team’s unexpected 36-46 finish led to a coaching change and triggered new doubts about the viability of the current roster configuration.

Several reports point to growing tension between Durant and the Suns’ front office, particularly after trade options were explored at the most recent deadline. These factors combine to make a split this offseason more feasible than ever.

“It’s going to be hard to read the Durant situation until we see the playoffs play out because, for example, you could see a team surprise, lose in the first or second round, and wake up in mid-May and say, ‘We are Kevin Durant away from winning it.’ So the market for him in a month could be different from now. That’s my precursor,” Brian Windhorst said recently.

“I do think the concept of the Knicks is an interesting one. Now, in my opinion, I’ve never understood why Kevin Durant didn’t go to the Knicks in 2019 and instead went to the Nets. I get what they were building in Brooklyn was compelling.

“I do think the concept of the Knicks is an interesting one. Now, in my opinion, I’ve never understood why Kevin Durant didn’t go to the Knicks in 2019 and instead went to the Nets. I get what they were building in Brooklyn was compelling.

“I have heard what he said about that. I don’t understand why he wouldn’t go to the Knicks, and I am not going to assume or guess at what Kevin has thought about that.”

Meanwhile, the Knicks’ surge in the Eastern Conference has only fueled rumors of a blockbuster move. Their 51-win season and third-place finish underline significant progress since the time when Durant chose the Brooklyn Nets over them in free agency.

Yet, even with regular-season success, New York still struggles to win against the league’s top-tier teams. There’s a sense that they might need another elite scorer—someone who can shift the balance in big moments.

Knicks’ Trade Capital

The Knicks have assembled notable assets that place them in a strong position for major trades:

This blend of draft capital and promising players may appeal to a team like the Suns, especially if they decide to pivot toward retooling their roster. The Knicks’ administration has been disciplined in asset management, keeping the potential for a deal involving stars like Durant within reach.

Durant’s Career Movements and Trade Context

Durant’s decision to join the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 came as a surprise to many. The Knicks’ brand strength and need for a superstar at the time made them seem like a natural landing spot.

In retrospect, Durant’s tenure with the Nets was marked by persistent challenges:

• Injuries hampered the team’s ability to establish continuity.
• The high-profile acquisitions of Kyrie Irving and James Harden led to on- and off-court drama.
• The furthest playoff run ended in the second round.

In 2023, Durant was traded to the Suns in a deal that involved players like Mikal Bridges and significant first-round picks. His move reflected both his desire to remain in contention and the willingness of teams to gamble on high-impact players despite the risks.

Current Landscape and Motivations

The Suns’ postseason absence and the Knicks’ urgency to progress past deeper rounds set the stage for serious trade discussions. Both sides have reasons to consider a deal:

• The Suns may look to reset or retool, potentially acquiring draft picks and younger talent.
• The Knicks, backed by a large-market appeal and a ready fan base, could see Durant as the difference-maker that elevates them to genuine title contention.

Key Trade Considerations

Trading for Durant would likely involve a mix of draft compensation and rotation players rather than sacrificing cornerstone pieces. The structure could reflect recent multi-team NBA deals, where several organizations participate to meet salary-matching and asset requirements.

Teams must also navigate cap implications, given Durant’s high salary. Possible trade frameworks could include:

• Two-team swap: Suns and Knicks exchange players and picks directly.
• Three-team or multi-team deal: Involvement of additional teams to absorb contracts, provide more assets, or facilitate salary distribution.

Potential Impact and Role

Durant remains one of the league’s most reliable scorers and versatile forwards. His addition would immediately boost the Knicks’ offensive capabilities and create new floor-spacing options.

New York’s current depth—combined with Durant’s skillset—could reshape their playoff trajectory and threat level in the East. Trade rumors will likely intensify as teams reassess rosters following the postseason.

The landscape is fluid; key moves will depend on playoff exits, locker room dynamics, and front-office recalibrations. Who knows what domino will fall next?

Summary Table – Recent Kevin Durant Trades

The cycle of NBA superstar movement continues. Those watching league developments are glued to the next major shift—if it actually happens.

Anthony Amador

A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.