The New York Knicks have had a complex relationship with Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant. There was a time when Durant was expected to join the Knicks, but he chose the Brooklyn Nets in 2019.
Durant later mentioned the coolness level of the Knicks as a reason for choosing the Nets. The Knicks now seem cool again thanks to the rising star power of Jalen Brunson and a strong supporting group. Could New York break up this core group to try to add another star like Durant?
The Volume’s Colin Cowherd and Jason Timpf talked about the possibility of the Knicks being a potential landing spot for Durant. Timpf thinks the Knicks should try to create a trade deal involving Mitchell Robinson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. However, there would need to be some financial adjustments because the current deal doesn't work within the salary cap limits.
The potential problem in these theoretical discussions could be OG Anunoby who the Suns would want in any deal for Durant. This assumes that Phoenix explores possible trades for Durant, which is still uncertain. Anunoby’s upcoming player option would also play a role in any potential deal.
Durant still has two seasons left on his four-year, $194 million contract. Phoenix has tough choices ahead as their high payroll resulted in zero playoff wins in 2024.
Knicks Rumors: Suns Would Likely Push for OG Anunoby in a Potential Trade for Kevin Durant
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It's not certain that the Knicks will go after star players this offseason. New York is currently making a playoff run without Julius Randle, their most expensive player. Apart from Brunson, Timpf argues that Anunoby is the most crucial player on the Knicks team.
“So, the thing though is you have to be careful if you include somebody like OG Anunoby in a trade like that,” Timpf noted in a May 5, 2024 episode of “The Colin Cowherd Podcast.” “Because the physical profile of the Knicks is vitally important, in my opinion.
“… I think if I had to choose between giving up Hart and Donte DiVincenzo in a deal or an OG Anunoby, I would be doing whatever I could to hold on to OG. Because if you get Kevin Durant at this phase of his career [is] older, right? And he’s not as like physically strong as a guy like Anunoby. You alter the physical profile of the team,” Timpf continued.
“To the point where you’re not as imposing. Because OG is a big part of what you’re capable of doing on both ends of the floor, in terms of that physical identity.”
New York Knicks Forward OG Anunoby Can Become a Free Agent This NBA Offseason
After playing 23 regular season games with the Knicks, Anunoby averaged 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.5 assists per game. Anunoby's future is uncertain as he has a player option that could make him a free agent this offseason.
The veteran has the option of receiving a $19.9 million salary with the Knicks for the 2024-25 season or choose to become a free agent. In order to be included in a possible trade for Durant, Anunoby would have to agree to stay on for the last year of his contract instead of becoming a free agent.
