The NBA superstar, who targets targets in the offseason, was able to play a major role as the New York Knicks’ next head coach.
Even after Tom Thibodeau opened fire, Knicks’ front office work did not finish after he was ejected from the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2025 NBA playoffs.
On the one hand, there is high hopes from Star Center Karl Anthony Towns to improve his defense before the 2025-26 season. But on the other hand, the Knicks may focus on a completely different route.
what’s that? Well, it might trade either Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns or Giannis Antetocompo of the Milwaukee Bucks. But which superstar should the Knicks pursue? NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins has the answer.
In a recent segment of the NBA at ESPN, Perkins analyzed the Knicks linked to Durant and Antetocompo.
Big Perk believes the Knicks should trade with Antetokounmpo via Durant because there is too much complexity they need to manage for the latter.
“When you go to get Kevin Durant, there’s too much gap. You have to get the right coach. Who is the coach? That’s important,” Perkins said.
He added:
Perkins may have sounded simple, but reality is far from it. After all, Giannis will be at the height of his career and will require the Knicks to put together a massive trade package to win him.
Meanwhile, KD is in Twilight years of his career. So, if the sun is open, the price of a double NBA champion will be lower.
After the first take on KD-Giannis’ choice, Perkins presented a solution. He believes that if the Knicks hire Jason Kidd as the team’s next head coach, the organization will be able to trade with either star.
“If KD can get Jason Kids because he respects him, that might change a bit, but I think the Knicks are still in a great position with the team they have,” Perkins said.
Perkins still advises the Knicks to avoid Durant’s all-in. However, he does not believe that if he pursues a Greek freak, the franchise must follow his advice.
“I don’t go all out, but if I can move some small pieces to get him, I’ll go all out for Giannis,” Perkins concluded.
In the context, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game last season, while Antetokounmpo contributed 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game.