ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the New York Knicks are trying to receive the 2025 NBA trade deadline for Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges on the 2025 NBA trade deadline and are trying to acquire superstar Kevin Durant.
Kevin Durant’s trade is attributed to $51.2 million in salary
Despite the shared interests of New York and Durant, there has never been a trade deal between the two teams. NBA insiders speculated that the deal failed due to Durant’s huge contract.
Knicks president Leon Rose is ready for another sensational deal, but the organization is struggling to afford Durant’s $51.2 million salary.
Jalen Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension in July last year, which was originally a restriction. He earns $34.94 million this season and is expected to make $37.73 million in 2025-26.
Additionally, trading Mikal Bridges ($23.3 million) or OG Anunoby ($36.63 million) will make the Knicks weaker on defense.
The combined total of Josh Hart ($18.14 million) and Mitchell Robinson ($14.31 million) will bring New York to about $32.4 million, but still below Durant’s salary figures.
Knicks can be for Carl-Anthony Town Durant
Assuming Ross is interested in connecting with the third or fourth team to help facilitate financial trade, it seems the Knicks could trade Carl-Anthony Town as Durant. The sport’s Town Cover hits at $49.2 million, and $53.14 million in 2025-26.
During the playoffs, town defense was an obvious problem in New York.
James L. Edwards III and Fred Katz of Track and Field reported that the Knicks players and coaches were “frustrated with the town’s defensive habits – less concerned about his talent level and more focused on his progress.”
“Recently, the town enforces incorrect coverage without communicating why he did it,” the report said. “After becoming a subject, players worry that the town does not grasp the importance of the matter.”
Kevin Durant upgraded the town?
Durant is one of the greatest players in NBA history, winning two championships, one MVP awards, two NBA Finals MVP awards, two All-Star MVP awards, four scoring champions and Rookie of the Year. He has also been named 11 All-NBA teams and is a 15-time All-Star.
But will Durant’s trade town help the Knicks with defensive help?
In 62 games against the Suns this season, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.2 blocks and 36.5 minutes of games, while shooting 52.7% from the field and 43% from the deep.
Durant has never been appointed as an all-NBA defense.
The playoffs are inadequate
For comparison, in 72 games, the Town averaged 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.7 blocks and 35 minutes of play. So are 7-foot players just playoff hockey players?
Town scored 44 points and 13 rebounds in a 116-107 win over the Miami Heat on October 29. He scored 17 points with 25 shots in the game, shot 4-5 from threes and scored 6-6 from the free throw line.
The 44 points are also the most in a Knicks Center game since Patrick Ewing in 1995.
Additionally, since Carmelo Anthony in 2014, the town has become the first player in Knicks franchise history, scoring 40 points, 10 rebounds and 65% shooting percentage.
Town was also named the Eastern Conference player this month for the first time in his career as he played in December. He helped the Knicks achieve a 12-2 record that month, averaging 23.2 points, 14.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.
