This summer is about to heat up in the NBA, especially for the New York Knicks. Jalen Brunson is on the clock, and his absence is starting to sting. The All-Star point guard has been sidelined since March 6 with a sprained right ankle, and now, he’s expected to be out until late March or early April. Meanwhile, the real storm is brewing, Kevin Durant is officially on the trade block this summer. So, how does this shake up the Knicks’ future? What does $8M dollar rapper have to say about this?
Brunson’s return keeps getting pushed back. Initially expected to miss at least two weeks, his timeline has now stretched to three or four. That means the Knicks will have to battle through most, if not all of their remaining 15 regular-season games without him. With Tuesday’s 116-95 win over the Miami Heat, New York sits at 43-24, holding onto third place just ahead of the Indiana Pacers. But as the season winds down, the competition will only get tougher and tougher. And with no clear update on Brunson’s return, the Knicks are about to face their biggest test of endurance yet. So, can they survive this stretch? That same question was thrown at rapper Mason Durell Betha aka Mase and his answer shocked a lot of fans.
In the latest episode of Come And Talk 2 Me, host Treasure Wilson asked the big question on every Knicks fan’s mind: Mase, do you think that the Knicks can keep their momentum with the delayed Jalen Brunson return? Straightforward, right? But Mase gave his answer, and a surprising one. “Absolutely not. I think all of this is setting up, just in my honest NBA opinion, is that KD (Kevin Durant) might land up in the Knicks” Wait! What? KD to the Knicks? That’s a take that could shake up the whole league. Mase continued, “That’s the only good thing I can see coming out of this…they will end up doing better if they get KD. I think they will be a better team”
Feb 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) defends in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Well, this isn’t the first time the Knicks have had their eyes on Kevin Durant. They’ve been toying with the idea for a while now. Reports have linked the Knicks to a trade for the Phoenix Suns star in the past. And while a deal still seems unlikely, things could change if the Suns lower their asking price. Plus, with Brunson sidelined, the Knicks need a leader, someone who can step up and take charge with firm hands.
So, according to Mase, losing Brunson might just be a blessing in disguise, if it means bringing in KD. Now, is this just wishful thinking, or could he actually be onto something? Knicks fans, what’s your take?
Is Kevin Durant the missing piece for the Knicks?
Kevin Durant is set to turn 37 as he enters the final season of his four-year, $194.2 million contract. With the Suns struggling to make real progress in their championship chase, his future will be one of the biggest offseason storylines. Every time KD’s future is in question, the Knicks trade scenario seems plausible. But with retirement creeping closer, the chances of him ever suiting up with a Knicks jersey might be running out.
Phoenix’s current setup with Bradley Beal and Devin Booker hasn’t delivered a title. Meanwhile, the Knicks have been thriving with their existing core. Trading away key pieces like OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson would be a tough pill to swallow, especially after waiting so long for Robinson’s return from injury. But if the Knicks land a talent like Durant? ESPN’s Andre Snellings believes it would be worth every penny.
Andre Snellings commented, “Their skill sets mesh well and could be enough to help the Knicks take that next leap to join the Celtics and Cavaliers in true contention to win the Eastern Conference,” Snellings makes a valid point there. Durant’s versatility could complement the Knicks’ current lineup. Especially the team’s offensive power will get a significant boost. Plus, if the Knicks want to compete with powerhouses like Boston, adding a proven winner like KD might be their best bet.
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