New York Knicks set to acquire Kevin Durant? Insider reacts to blockbuster trade rumour
Kevin Durant is currently one of the most sought-after players in the market. The Phoenix Suns forward has already been linked with a potential move to the San Antonio Spurs, with reports suggesting mutual interest. However, the latest developments point to the New York Knicks emerging as frontrunners in a blockbuster trade. But how accurate are the reports?
The Knicks have shown hopes of revival after their run to the Eastern Conference Finals, which could entice the two-time NBA Finals MVP to agree to the trade. Moreover, there is a school of thought that the dismissal of head coach Tom Thibodeau could be a step in the direction towards the Durant move.
However, in a report in Athlon Sports, a reliable source, Ian Begley, made an honest admission about the potential blockbuster transfer. He said that he does not want the fans to get too excited over the idea, implying that it might not be certain.
"My intel all along has been, it's very unlikely to happen," Begley stated. "So, if I'm guessing today, I would guess that that does not come to fruition."
Begley continued with the following statement on ESPN New York. "Did they check in at the deadline? I'm not questioning that report. I think at the end of the day, getting something to the finish line, I would be very surprised if he ended up here in New York for many different reasons.
So if I'm a Knicks fan and I'm wondering where are they going to go, are they going to trade for Giannis [Antetokounmpo] or trade for KD, ... I would not put a ton of stock in anything you see on Durant and the Knicks at this point.
I think it would take a big change over there for them to be super aggressive and trying to get to the finish line on a Durant deal."
While the Knicks have been the sort of team that loves hunting for big fish, the Durant move is unlikely to pan out this time.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
28 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Who is Scott Foster? ‘The Extender' officiated Thunder vs Pacers NBA Finals Game 4
If there's one NBA referee who can stir up drama simply by showing up, it's Scott Foster. Fans have given Foster the moniker, 'The Extender,' both as a largely joking reference to the notion that he oversees games that somehow result in prolonging playoff series, and as a serious argument that he is somehow responsible for his rulings and decisions. So when he was assigned to officiate Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, many knew it could be a long night. Turns out, they were right. He was selected to officiate the NBA Finals for the 18th time, the most of any active official. The league announced his inclusion Tuesday, alongside 11 other referees and two alternates for the Final night. ALSO READ| What was that? 'Friday the 13th' flashes on screen during Thunder vs Pacers NBA Finals Game 4 'We are grateful for these 12 individuals and their dedication to serving the game at the highest levels throughout the season,' said Byron Spruell, NBA President of League Operations. 'Being selected to work the NBA Finals is the top honor as an NBA official, and I congratulate this exceptional group on a worthy achievement.' For the second game in a row, Thunder guard Alex Caruso found himself in a foul situation. Early in the game, Caruso appeared to whack Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton on the ribs while attempting a steal. But there was no whistle. Chants of 'Ref You Suck' echoed through the arena. Those boos got even louder in the second quarter, when Foster did blow the whistle but this time against Indiana. Obi Toppin was called for a flagrant foul after bumping Caruso with his shoulder on a fast break. Toppin had been trying to stop an easy bucket after a Haliburton turnover, but the hard contact triggered a reaction from OKC big man Isaiah Hartenstein, who exchanged words with Toppin before teammates intervened. After video review, Foster explained that the play met the criteria for a flagrant: 'wind-up, impact, follow-through, and non-basketball play.' Both Toppin and Hartenstein were also hit with technical fouls for the brief altercation. ALSO READ| Why was Stephen A Smith called 'little b*tch' amid his NBA Finals feud with Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Fans and commentators quickly took to social media to vent as the series tied 2-2. 'Scott Foster, the extender strikes once again. 🔥 HANG HIS JERSEY IN THE RAFTERS,' one commented. 'Scott Foster is the worst ref in the league right?' another posted. 'Scott 'The Extender' Foster trying to ruin my weekend tonight,' one commented.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Dumb and Dumber' — Indiana Pacers fans trolling ESPN analysts Stephen A Smith and Kendrick Perkins during NBA Finals Game 4 go viral
Images via Getty Images and X Sometimes, the loudest message in a Finals game doesn't come from a superstar or a coach—it comes from the stands. During Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, while most fans rocked gold Pacers shirts, two individuals turned heads with bold fashion choices straight out of a comedy classic. Dressed in Dumb and Dumber-style tuxedos—one bright orange, one electric blue—they topped it off with oversized face cutouts of ESPN's Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins. It was a hilarious, pointed response to recent media criticism of Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton—and fans online immediately took notice. Tyrese Haliburton fires back at critics, Stephen A. Smith takes it personally in fiery rant The media heat on Tyrese Haliburton started after Game 2, when he was criticized for his passiveness in a 107–123 Pacers loss. On 'First Take', ESPN's Stephen A. Smith didn't hold back. 'Win the damn chip, bro… That ain't on me. That's on you,' he said, implying Haliburton wasn't delivering when it mattered. Smith continued, 'Just in case he was talking about me—my brother, I'm not going away… this train don't stop.' Then came Game 3. Haliburton bounced back with 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds in a 116–107 Pacers win. After the game, he was asked about the media noise. He didn't name names but made his feelings clear: 'Most of the time, the talking heads on the major platforms, I couldn't care less honestly. Like, what do they really know about basketball?' Kendrick Perkins , speaking on NBA Today, gave Haliburton credit for stepping up. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo 'He finally arrived to the NBA Finals—to us box score watchers,' Perkins said. He even acknowledged, 'He outplayed SGA.' And then came Game 4, when two fans used fashion to flip the script. Their orange and blue tuxes carried double meaning: orange symbolizing Smith's New York Knicks loyalty, and blue a nod to the Oklahoma City Thunder—Perkins' former team. It was comedy, commentary, and petty brilliance all rolled into one. Hilarious fan reactions to ' Dumb and Dumber ' trolling of Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins at Game 4 Fans took to X with no shortage of reactions to the trolling masterclass. One fan said: 'Absolutely incredible troll job by Pacers fans dressed as Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins. Dumb and Dumber tuxedos and all.' This tweet captured the moment perfectly and praised the fans for the elite-level trolling and creative execution. A second user chimed in with: 'Two guys in the front row at the Pacers game dressed like Dumb and Dumber with Stephen A Smith and Kendrick Perkins faces on their suits.' This user highlighted the boldness of the fans' courtside position, emphasizing how visible and intentional the troll job was. Another user joked: 'Are these two guys front row at the Pacers game calling Stephen A Smith and Kendrick Perkins Dumb and Dumber?' This tweet added playful speculation, bluntly asking if the fans were deliberately labeling the ESPN duo as the classic comedy characters. One more said: 'Best thing I've seen tonight…. Dumb and Dumber at the Pacer game tonight!' This comment called the bit the highlight of the evening—more memorable than even the on-court action for some viewers. And finally, another user said: 'Pretty sure these fans are in Dumb and Dumber costumes…with face cutouts of Stephen A Smith and Kendrick Perkins.' This tweet added to the confirmation and appreciation of the stunt, acknowledging the detail in the fans' outfits and execution. Also Read: Tyrese Haliburton shares heartwarming moment with Obi Toppin's daughter before crucial Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Finals Game 4 From Tyrese Haliburton shrugging off criticism to two fans turning sports talk into visual satire, Game 4 of the NBA Finals was about more than basketball. It became a statement on media narratives, on confidence, and on the creative passion of Indiana's fan base. With subtle symbolism in every stitch of those tuxedos, the message was clear: Indiana hears the noise, and they know exactly how to laugh back. Whether the Pacers win the chip or not, their fans have already won the meme battle.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Thunder vs Pacers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on fire as Oklahoma City rally to beat Indiana to level NBA Finals at 2-2
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a scorching performance to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a thrilling comeback win over the Indiana Pacers , leveling the NBA Finals at 2-2 in Indianapolis on Friday. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 15 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter as Thunder rallied from a 10-point, second-half deficit to register an incredible win. Gilgeous-Alexander's poise and shot-making were pivotal in the fourth quarter, as Oklahoma City tightened up defensively and surged ahead late. The win not only ties the series but also highlights the Thunder's resilience and championship aspirations heading into a pivotal Game 5 on home court. Jalen Williams chipped in 27 points, Alex Caruso added 20, and Chet Holmgren posted a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds to help power the Thunder. Live Events — NBA (@NBA) The Thunder got the job done the hard way — making just three 3-pointers, a season low, and seeing Gilgeous-Alexander finish without an assist for the first time all season. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 20 points, while Tyrese Haliburton added 18 and Obi Toppin contributed 17. With the series now tied 2-2, it effectively becomes a best-of-three. Game 5 heads to Oklahoma City on Monday, where the Thunder have reclaimed home-court advantage. — NBA (@NBA) The Pacers came out blazing, putting up 20 points in the first 4 minutes and 59 seconds — marking just the second time all season the Thunder had allowed such a rapid scoring burst. The Pacers jumped out to a lead as large as nine early in the game, but despite their explosive start, they couldn't build on the momentum or create significant separation. Obi Toppin's emphatic baseline dunk late in the third quarter gave Pacers an 86-76 lead—their first double-digit advantage of the series, coming deep into the 15th quarter of the Finals. But the Thunder refused to fold. The Thunder responded with a 13-3 run to open the fourth, tying the game at 89 and igniting a back-and-forth battle down the stretch. The score was knotted again at 91, 95, and 97, as neither side gave an inch. Then, with 2:23 remaining, Gilgeous-Alexander hit a clutch step-back jumper to give Thunder a 104-103 edge — their first lead of the second half — and they never looked back. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
