The New York Knicks could potentially split the star’s core following exits in the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2025 NBA playoffs.
If the New York Knicks proceed with this plan, they will likely trade for a Superstar Caliber Player. People like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo fit this description.
Furthermore, Durant and Antetokounmpo are expected to be one of the top trade targets for the upcoming offseason. But is it really clever to split their core for an aging Durant?
Even at 36, Durant remains one of the best players in the league. Individually, he had an incredible season with the Phoenix Suns.
Nevertheless, Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce advises the Knicks to stay away from Durant’s sweepstakes heading into the offseason.
“I just say what are you giving up? They lose two important pieces. It’s off the mold of what you see today in the NBA Finals, the team, the two teams,” Pierce said in Speak.
He added:
Simply put, Pierce believes that attacking the roster for an aging superstar like Durant would be a terrible decision. After all, both OKC Thunder and Indiana Pacers, the two NBA Finals teams, have one thing in common.
This is not the first time a slim Shinigami has been linked to the Big Apple. When NBA Rumor Mill left the Golden State Warriors in 2019, it was full of potential KDs in trade proposals.
At the time, Durant chose Brooklyn Net over the Knicks. In fact, Durant defended his decision by describing the Knicks as “it’s not cool to play.”
The roster is much better, which could have changed Durant’s views on the Knicks. But the problem is that the organization is too much for Durant, and they’re coming back to Square One.
That’s why people like Pierce and Kendrick Perkins don’t want the Knicks to trade for Durant this offseason.