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Former NBA veteran names one Knicks star he would have traded for Kevin Durant, ‘Straight up, right now’

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aikansh Chaudhary | Last updated Aug 16, 2025 9:00 AM ET

The New York Knicks will enter the 2025-26 NBA season as one of the favorites to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy.

After all, the New York Knicks have a talented roster featuring the likes of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges.

The top brass seemingly feels good about the current roster, as the primary stars on the roster are locked in for multiple years.

The most recent player to sign an extension with the Knicks was Bridges, as he placed his signature on the dotted line for a four-year, $150 million deal.

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Sebastian Telfair says he would have traded Mikal Bridges for Kevin Durant

Speaking of this offseason, Kevin Durant was unarguably the most sought-after star as his relationship with the Phoenix Suns became sour.

While many teams were supposedly in contention to trade for Durant, the Houston Rockets ultimately succeeded in trading for the 2x NBA Finals MVP.

The Knicks undoubtedly had the assets to complete a trade for KD, but they remained out of it. However, retired NBA player Sebastian Telfair feels the Knicks should have traded Bridges for Durant.

“New York City was so prepped for the Finals, I ain’t gonna lie to you. The whole of New York is ready. I would take Mikal Bridges for KD straight up.

“Sorry, Bridges, but KD and Mikal straight up right now,” Telfair claimed during an interview with VladTV.

Despite Durant being on the older side, Telfair feels like his addition to the current Knicks roster could have uplifted the franchise more than having Bridges.

Sebastian Telfair reveals true feelings on Tom Thibodeau’s firing

Even after leading the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000, Tom Thibodeau was sacked this summer.

The decision left many in shock, and it apparently included Telfair as he spoke about coach Thibs’ firing.

“That wasn’t a good move. Thibs is a good coach, but if you want to win a championship, you got to continue to build up,” the former NBA player continued.

“I feel like if they fire Thibs, ya’ll better get a big trade or sign somebody. Because Thibs couldn’t be the only problem of why we ain’t get a chip this year.

“Or even make it to the Finals,” he concluded.

While the Knicks haven’t engaged in a trade, they did replace Thibodeau with Mike Brown. The pressure is on coach Brown as he needs to help the Knicks lift the Larry O’Brien trophy sooner rather than later.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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