Another NBA insider has added fuel to the idea that the New York Knicks could seriously consider a pursuit of Kevin Durant this summer.
This has been a good season for the Knicks, and it should be. After winning 50 games last season, the team went all in on chasing a championship by using much of their trade assets to acquire Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. This group should win more than 50 games this season and finish with a top-five record in the league.
Yet there are concerns if they are good enough to bring the franchise its first title since 1973. Their defense is shaky. They are banged up and racking up injuries. And they have had trouble against the elites of the league. Their $188 million payroll may disappoint this spring. That could force more big moves in the offseason.
Earlier this week, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania pointed to a likely star they could target when he revealed the franchise and future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant had “mutual interest” in a trade before February’s trade deadline.
On Friday, The Athletic’s Knicks insider James L. Edwards III added fuel to the speculation of a summer blockbuster. But also warned why getting Durant or any pricey superstar may not be the right move for New York.
Kevin Durant trade would not fix New York Knicks biggest issues this season
“I get a sense that the Knicks are big fish hunting. And them missing out [on the Eastern Conference Finals] is how we got to Mikal and KAT. Do I think it’s possible for them, if a big name becomes available, they package two guys together to go get one? I do think that is possible,” Edwards said on SNY’s “The Putback.” Do I think that is wise? I do not.
“Because this team’s biggest issues right now are depth and defense. Yes, if you can add Giannis Antetokounmpo, great. Giannis is a great defender. But you’re going to have to trade two or three good players to get him, and you’re going to have to match salaries because you’re over the apron. Are you going to be able to build out the depth?”
“I get a sense that the Knicks are big fish hunting” – @JLEdwardsIII
Ian is joined by James and @comboscourt to talk about the future of the team and how the playoffs will define offseason decision-making on the latest edition of The Putback with @IanBegley pic.twitter.com/39lw7U18BL
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Edwards believes those issues can’t be fixed with one great superstar. In his mind, the Knicks would be better off going forward with the group they have now and hopefully find some young and cap-friendly impact bench pieces to fill their current needs.