The NBA trade rumor mill is once again in full swing as the offseason approaches. With teams looking to make moves and improve their rosters, one name that has been consistently mentioned is Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns. After a stint with the Suns that has failed to deliver a championship, it seems that the team is considering trading their star player. And former NBA star Carmelo Anthony has recently weighed in on Durant’s potential next destination, making a compelling case for where he should go next.
Durant, a 10-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, has been with the Suns since 2019. However, despite his individual success, the team has not been able to make it past the first round of the playoffs. This has led to speculation that the Suns may be looking to shake things up and potentially trade Durant for a package of players and picks.
One team that has been linked to Durant is the Brooklyn Nets, where he would reunite with his former teammate and close friend, Kyrie Irving. However, Anthony believes that Durant should consider joining the New York Knicks instead.
In an interview with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Anthony stated, “I think the Knicks would be a great destination for Kevin. They have a young core of talented players and a great coach in Tom Thibodeau. Plus, the city of New York is unlike any other in terms of basketball culture and fan support. I think Kevin would thrive in that environment.”
Anthony’s words carry weight as he himself played for the Knicks for seven seasons and knows firsthand the passion and pressure that comes with playing in New York. He also has a close relationship with Durant, having played together on the USA Basketball team in the 2016 Olympics.
But it’s not just the allure of New York that makes it an attractive destination for Durant. The Knicks have made significant improvements in recent years, with the emergence of young stars like Julius Randle and RJ Barrett. They also have a solid supporting cast in players like Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson, who have proven to be valuable veterans for the team.
Furthermore, the Knicks have a new front office led by President Leon Rose and General Manager Scott Perry, who have shown a commitment to building a winning team. They have also made it clear that they are willing to spend money to bring in top talent, which could be enticing for Durant.
Of course, there are other teams that could also make a strong case for Durant, such as the Miami Heat or the Los Angeles Lakers. But Anthony’s endorsement of the Knicks adds another layer to the potential trade discussions.
It’s worth noting that Durant has a player option for the 2022-2023 season, meaning he could become a free agent after next season. This gives the Suns a limited window to make a move and get something in return for Durant if they do decide to trade him.
In the end, the decision will ultimately be up to Durant and what he believes is best for his career. But with the support of a fellow NBA star and the potential for a fresh start in a new city, the Knicks could be a strong contender for Durant’s services. Only time will tell where he will end up, but one thing is for sure – the NBA trade rumor mill will continue to churn until a decision is made.
