Feb 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The New York Knicks need a third superstar to complement Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson.
The organization could strike gold in free agency by acquiring a Phoenix Suns phenom with two NBA championships.
"The Knicks have failed to advance past the Eastern Conference Semifinals since returning to playoff contention in 2020-21," Empire Sports Media's Matthew Legros wrote Friday.
"New York upgraded their roster this season, but are winless against the East's top-two teams in the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics."
"Add star forward Mikal Bridges' ups and downs in New York, and what the Knicks have is a stronger unit that may still fail to advance to the Finals come June."
"Should that be the case, the Knicks could use three of their four future first-rounders between now and 2031 as the backbone of a potential deal. The two-time Finals MVP would bring all-time great scoring to New York."
"With his championship experience, the 15-time All-Star could spearhead a Knicks championship run next time out. His 26.8 points per game this season suggests that he has not lost a beat, despite being 36 years old."
Before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, many predicted that Durant would be shipped to a contending franchise.
The Suns, who appear confident in their super team, which is headlined by Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, elected to stick it out and allow their star-studded club to clean up its act.
Although Phoenix has 16 regular-season games left on its schedule, its current status suggests it could miss the postseason. The 30-36 Suns are 2.5 games back from the No. 10 spot in the Western Conference.
If things don't improve between now and the end of the regular season, the Suns will likely consider ending the Durant experiment and accepting reality.
From the Knicks' perspective, a Durant, Towns, and Brunson trio would give the franchise a better chance of competing with the Celtics and Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks should be prepared to do whatever it takes to bring the former Golden State Warriors star to New York this summer.