The New York Knicks are on a mission to win a championship, and their front office made bold moves this summer, bringing in Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, while also re-signing OG Anunoby.
But the Knicks may have had an even bigger opportunity at the February 6 trade deadline. Unfortunately, the Dallas Mavericks didn’t give other teams a fair shot at acquiring Luka Doncic.
In a recent piece by ESPN’s Bobby Marks, he explored how the Knicks could’ve pulled off a deal to bring Doncic to New York. The proposed trade packages were:
Mavericks Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns and a 2025 top-10 protected first-round pick, or Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and a 2025 top-10 protected first-round pick.
Knicks Receive: Luka Doncic
Marks noted, “Doncic and Jalen Brunson, reunited in New York.” For this trade to work, Dallas would have needed to accept a lesser offer than the one they received from the Lakers. The Knicks only have one first-round pick they can trade, and their salary cap is top-heavy with contracts.
If the Knicks had added Doncic to their roster, paired with Anunoby’s defensive presence, it could have propelled them to the top of the Eastern Conference. However, it’s unclear how head coach Tom Thibodeau would have managed Doncic’s defensive struggles alongside Jalen Brunson on the floor.
Could Kevin Durant Be the Knicks’ Next Target?
With Doncic now off the table, the Knicks might turn their attention to Kevin Durant this summer. The veteran forward is expected to become available via trade from the Phoenix Suns.
According to Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, any deal for Durant would likely involve sending Towns to the Western Conference. Favale explained, “Any Kevin Durant-to-the-New York Knicks scenario is predicated on the latter wanting to get out of the Karl-Anthony Towns business.”
The potential swap of Towns for Durant could benefit the Knicks defensively if they believe Mitchell Robinson can stay healthy, though his durability is a major concern. Still, this scenario could be plausible for the Knicks if they prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability.
Durant is a Top Trade Target for the Knicks
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that New York is on Durant’s list of favored destinations if he’s traded in the summer. “Back at the NBA Trade Deadline in February, Minnesota, Miami, New York, San Antonio, and Houston were among the teams with mutual interest between Durant and those teams,” Charania said.
While a move for Durant is unlikely, it could depend on how the Knicks perform in the playoffs. If they face an early exit, the idea of adding a proven superstar could become more attractive. Regardless, Knicks fans may regret not having the chance to pursue Doncic earlier this year.