Durant could warrant as high as a top-five pick in this year’s draft, depending on which team pulls the trigger. But it’s most likely that Durant would end up on a real contender and less of a pretender like the Suns, which didn’t even win a playoff series while he was in Arizona.

While the Knicks could offer the Suns a center like Mitchell Robinson or Karl-Anthony Towns, Phoenix likely wants draft capital in a return for Durant. New York is a little strapped for draft picks after acquiring forward Mikal Bridges last offseason.

On Saturday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Durant is only willing to sign a long-term extension with three teams: the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets.

Apr 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) in the second quarter during game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.

Kevin Durant averaged a team-high 26.6 points in his second full season with the Phoenix Suns. An ideal fit for him in a trade is with the Rockets.