According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and corroborated by other league insiders, the Knicks and Durant shared mutual interest in a potential move, but no agreement was ultimately reached.

The Phoenix Suns, who entered the season with championship aspirations, fell short of expectations, prompting speculation about possible roster shakeups.

Sensing an opportunity, Knicks president Leon Rose reportedly explored the possibility of acquiring Durant, a 15-time All-Star and one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers.

The Knicks had already made major moves earlier in the season, bringing in Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges to bolster their roster, and Durant would have represented another seismic addition.

Financial hurdles and roster implications

Acquiring Durant would have posed significant financial challenges for New York. With Durant’s $51.2 million salary, the Knicks would have needed to send out substantial contracts to match.

Jalen Brunson, the team’s All-NBA point guard, was considered untouchable, while defensive standouts Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby were also deemed too valuable to include. A package involving Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson would have fallen well short of the salary needed, suggesting that a multi-team deal or the inclusion of Towns might have been necessary.

Trading Towns, who was acquired less than a year ago, would have been a dramatic move. However, recent reports from The Athletic indicate that Towns’ defensive lapses became a source of frustration within the Knicks’ locker room during the playoffs.

Both players and coaches reportedly questioned his consistency and communication on the defensive end, raising questions about his long-term fit with the team.

Knicks’ offseason remains uncertain

While the Durant deal did not materialize, the Knicks’ willingness to pursue such a bold trade signals that Leon Rose and the front office are open to significant changes.

The team’s exit in the Eastern Conference Finals, coupled with the recent firing of head coach Tom Thibodeau, suggests that New York could be in for an eventful offseason. With a talented core and a front office unafraid to make aggressive moves, the Knicks are poised to remain active in trade discussions as they look to build a championship contender.

For now, Durant remains with the Suns as talks keep surfacing about a possible new destination for him. As the NBA offseason approaches, all eyes will be on New York to see what bold moves they might make next.