Eastern Conference power should do whatever it takes to land Kevin Durant

During the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers, it was apparent the Knicks need another volume scorer alongside Jalen Brunson. 

Durant, the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, is one of the best players in NBA history. His two Finals MVP awards and 30,571 career points (eighth most all time) alone justify his status as one of basketball's greatest talents. 

It would be underwhelming for the legendary scorer to spend the twilight of his career in the overshadowed market of San Antonio. That's especially true considering that longtime head coach Gregg Popovich won't be at the helm. 

Despite having budding superstar Anthony Edwards, Minnesota would also be an odd destination for the Texas native to end his storied career. Meanwhile, Houston, despite an abundance of young talent, isn't on New York's level as a basketball stage. Miami is a great place to call home, but the Heat are a long way from title contention.

Of course, acquiring Durant won't be cheap for any team interested in his services. Despite his age — he'll turn 37 on Sept. 29 — the 2013-14 NBA MVP still carries a hefty price as the Suns look to recoup draft capital and young players who can play alongside Devin Booker. 

For the Knicks, adding Durant would likely require a package centered on Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and draft capital. Or perhaps the Knicks could offer OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges and find a way to keep Towns. 

New York may be hesitant to move on from Towns after he helped lead the franchise to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000. Ultimately, pairing a player as gifted as Durant (26.6 PPG in 2024-25) with reigning Clutch Player of the Year Brunson would be a worthy investment, even if it costs the Knicks two starters. 

The box-office implications of a Durant-New York union alone should intrigue Knicks brass, but the 15-time All-Star is also a great on-court fit.

Should the Knicks acquire Durant, he and Brunson would join the Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James and Luka Doncic as the only teammate duo to average 25+ points per game in the 2024-25 regular season.  

Plus, Durant joining the Knicks would ensure that the former NBA MVP is in the title hunt during his twilight years, which is what the ever-competitive scorer craves.