Key Takeaways:
1. Rising rumors point at a potential move by the New York Knicks for Phoenix Suns player Kevin Durant.
2. Some experts suggest structuring a trade package around Mitchell Robinson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo.
3. A potential hitch could be Suns’ demand for OG Anunoby in return.
4. Anunoby’s upcoming player option may complicate any prospective deal.
5. Despite complex salary cap considerations, Durant’s addition to the Knicks could be a game changer.
An Intriguing Trade Scenario Emerges
In the buzzing world of professional basketball, the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant’s complex affiliations have created quite a stir. Durant, once considered a likely addition to the Knicks, chose the Brooklyn Nets over them in 2019. However, recent talks suggest that the Knicks could be evaluating another shot at bringing Durant onto their roster.
Considering the Knicks’ ascending reputation, bolstered by the growing stardom of Jalen Brunson and backed by a strong supportive cast, Durant could be an exciting addition. Yet, could this move risk disrupting the present Knicks’ group?
A Potential Pitch for Durant
On “The Colin Cowherd Podcast,” speakers Colin Cowherd and Jason Timpf examined this complex scenario. Timpf suggested that the Knicks should consider building a trade package, focusing on Mitchell Robinson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. However, achieving this deal would involve a financial rearrangement, owing to the existing salary cap constraints.
The Gamechanger: OG Anunoby
A potential hiccup in these discussions is the inclusion of OG Anunoby, whom the Suns might demand in any deal involving Durant. This depends on Phoenix’s intent to explore trades for Durant, a decision still clouded in uncertainty. Anunoby’s player option, expected this fall, could complicate the negotiations.
Durant’s contractual commitment to the Suns, spanning two more seasons in a four-year, $194 million deal, adds another layer of complexity to the scenario. As Phoenix navigates through tough decisions with a heavy payroll and zero playoff wins in 2024, a deal can be tricky to maneuver.
Knicks’ Strategic Decision
The Knicks might not necessarily go hunting for stars this off-season. They’ve already made a playoff run without Julius Randle, their costliest player. As per Timpf, he views Anunoby as one of the pivotal figures in the Knicks’ squad, after Brunson.
On being included in the trading deal, Anunoby’s physical profile would dramatically alter the Knicks’ team dynamics, particularly due to Durant’s aging factor. This poses a critical issue for the Knicks’ management to ponder — to maintain the existing physical profile or opt for a game-changer like Durant.
Anunoby’s Upcoming Option
Following his trade to the Knicks, Anunoby posted an average of 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.5 assists per game in 23 regular-season games. As he faces an uncertain future, his player option could enable him to explore a free-agent role this off-season.
Should Anunoby chose to opt into the final year of his deal, his salary with the Knicks for 2024-25 would be $19.9 million, instead of potentially becoming a free agent. His decision is crucial to a potential trade deal with Durant.
In summary, these engaging discussions around the game-changing move of Durant to the Knicks have basketball enthusiasts on the edge. However, intricate considerations around team dynamics, salary caps, and player decisions make it a complex puzzle to solve.
Source: heavy.com.
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