The New York Knicks made it out of the first round of the 2025 Playoffs after defeating the Detroit Pistons in six games.
Unfortunately, the reigning 2024 NBA champion Boston Celtics will be their Eastern Conference Semi-Final opponent, a tough break for a Knicks group that registered an 0-4 record against the dominant club in the regular season.
With the Knicks viewed as the heavy underdog by most in the NBA sphere, the organization's front office could already begin their preparation for the coming offseason, one that could see the storied franchise negotiate a blockbuster deal with the Phoenix Suns to acquire their future Hall of Fame inductee and 2-time NBA champion Kevin Durant.
"With the Suns missing the postseason after an abysmal season, they are expected to make some major changes this offseason that could include moving on from both Durant and (Bradley) Beal," Athlon Sports' Nathaniel Holloway wrote Wednesday morning.
"Because of this, Durant will likely see a ton of interest from many teams around the NBA but a recent report by NBA insider Marc Stein has named four teams who have emerged as the potential top trade suitors."
"Minnesota (Timberwolves), New York Knicks, Miami (Heat) and San Antonio (Spurs) rank as the most frequently cited potential Kevin Durant suitors,' Stein wrote."
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"League sources, in particular, have been pinpointing the Timberwolves and Knicks depending on how their postseasons play out."
Durant's incredible longevity an unreal scoring chops could make him the Knicks' main focus come this summer, as the 36-year-old offensive weapon contributed 26.6 points and 6.0 rebounds on a ridiculous 64.2% true shooting percentage in 62 appearances for the Suns this season.
By proving the he remained capable of putting the ball in the basket at an uber-efficient rate in his 17th NBA campaign, New York may talk themselves into contacting Phoenix to hash out the details of a potentially massive swap.
Though the goal of landing an all-time great scoring option to take some pressure off of their superstar guard Jalen Brunson is a reasonable one, New York's financial hurdles and lack of both intriguing prospects and draft capital may have a deal of this caliber remain as a fantasy.
If the Knicks are able to combine the necessary contracts and bring the legendary forward aboard, it's possible that the team could instantly be viewed as true Eastern Conference title contenders in 2025-26.