Knicks among favorites to trade for former MVP

The New York Knicks are one of the most interesting teams this offseason, and they could make the biggest splash.

After making their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in well over two decades, the Knicks shocked the league by firing head coach Tom Thibodeau. With the East wide open moving forward, the Knicks seem prepared to make any move necessary to compete for a championship.

While their current coaching search has taken all of the headlines in New York, the Knicks might be able to make a massive roster shakeup this offseason. With Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant seemingly halfway out the door, the Knicks are positioned among the best in the league to make an offer for the 2014 MVP.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Knicks are tied for third at +700 to have Durant next season. While the San Antonio Spurs (+110) and Houston Rockets (+250) are the favorites, the Knicks are in the next tier of potential suitors, alongside the Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Considering Durant’s massive contract for next season, the Knicks’ simplest pathway would be a deal around Karl-Anthony Towns. Although the Knicks would still have to send out an additional player, such as Tyler Kolek, to make the money work, a Durant-Towns swap could make sense for both sides. Of course, if the Knicks would rather form a big three of Durant, Towns and Jalen Brunson instead, there are other pathways.

Assuming the Knicks are interested in forming an offensive-minded big three, they could send some role players to Phoenix to help the Suns add some depth around Devin Booker. That deal would consist of Durant heading to New York for OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson and Tyler Kolek. Although they have limited draft capital, the Knicks could still add some compensation to sweeten the deal.

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It seems like a long shot that Durant will end up in New York, but there is a path to bring the Slim Reaper to the Big Apple.