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Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on November 26, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

The New York Knicks are currently locked into a heated playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks. Through four games, the teams are locked up at 2-2.

Clearly, that is not what the Knicks had in mind coming into the playoffs. After starting the season off as a top-tier NBA Finals contender, the team has struggled to live up to the hype.

During the regular season, New York mustered up a 53-29 record. That was good enough to earn the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. At this point in time, they have an uphill battle to making a run to the Finals.

Should the team end up coming short of expectations, the Knicks could make some major changes during the offseason. Rumors have started swirling that head coach Mike Brown could be on the hot seat after just one season with the team.

With that being said, a new rumor has come up about New York being a team to watch for a blockbuster offseason trade that could change everything.

Knicks Being Linked to Potential Trade for Kevin Durant

According to a report from Evan Sidery of Hoops HQ, also formerly of Forbes, the Knicks are a team to watch when it comes to Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant this offseason.

“There’s some buzz building that Kevin Durant may have already played his final game with the Rockets,” Sidery wrote on X.

“Durant, who signed an extension before the season, is under contract for $43.9 million in 2026-27. The Heat and Knicks could be teams to monitor, if Durant wants out yet again.”

Making a trade for Durant would come at a major cost for New York. The Knicks would be shaking up their current core in a big way to acquire him. However, it’s possible that they would view Durant as a piece who could get them over the hump and into true NBA Finals contention.

Would Kevin Durant Be the Final Piece for New York?

At the end of the day, Durant is still one of the best offensive players in the NBA. He has put together a strong 2025-26 season for the Rockets.

Throughout the course of the year, Durant played in 78 regular season games. He averaged 26 points per game to go along with 5.5 rebounds an 4.8 assists, while also shooting 52 percent from the floor and 41.3 percent from three-point range.

Even at 37 years old, Durant is a walking bucket.

Would he be the piece that brings a championship to New York? It’s possible, but that would be a lot to expect from Durant.

Depending on what the Knicks had to give up to acquire him, they could improve. Or, a trade for Durant and giving up multiple quality pieces could be the move that sends New York into a rebuild in the near future.

Only time will tell, but the Knicks are worth keeping an eye on as a potential Durant trade suitor heading into the NBA offseason.