Knicks predicted to pull off blockbuster trade for Clippers star..
The Sporting News’ Dean Simon made the case for the Knicks moving off of star forward Mikal Bridges in favor of Powell, saying this:
“With Bridges’ possible departure looming, it’s plausible that the Knicks’ front office may contact the Los Angeles Clippers to hash out the details of a major deal that sends him out along with possible draft capital in exchange for a surging fringe All-Star scorer, Norman Powell,” Simon wrote.
Powell could be a solid fit over Bridges
While Bridges outshines Powell as a perimeter defender in addition to possessing scoring chops, his fit in New York has been iffy. The Knicks have yet to truly reach their fullest potential with the playoffs at their doorstep.
Thus, New York’s front office could elect to make a move of this caliber that works toward creating better team chemistry. Powell has emerged in 2024-25. The 31-year-old averages 22.6 points and 1.3 steals per game. Powell would work especially well with the Knicks given his prowess as a catch-and-shoot artist from distance.
NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Orlando Magic
Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
The UCLA product Knicks down 1.9 of his 3.1 three-pointers per game at a 46.7 percent connect rate off the catch. His pace, coupled with good spacing, could allow New York to run a faster offense akin to the way they did when Donte DiVincenzo was in town last season.
Bridges still has time to prove that he can help lead the Knicks to a title come spring. If New York fails to win it all, a trade of this magnitude would be fitting, should New York decide to make a change.
Knicks Rumors: New York was interested in trade for superstar before deadline..
The New York Knicks laid low at the deadline, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t working behind the scenes. The team’s only move was sending Jericho Sims to the Bucks for Delon Wright, a trade that has since paid off with New York’s top three point guards injured.
February’s deadline was the first time in a few years that the Knicks weren’t connected to potential disgruntled superstars. New York cashed in its assets over the summer for Mikal Bridges and sent another first-round pick to Minnesota for Karl-Anthony Towns. Not to mention, it would’ve been tough financially for the Knicks to make a major move.
The front office at least had some interest in making a major move based on the latest report. ESPN’s Shams Charania said on Wednesday that there was a list of teams that had “mutual interest” with Kevin Durant before the deadline. Charania listed New York, Minnesota, Houston, San Antonio, and Miami as “teams that had interest then.” He added that he “expects them all to be in the mix this offseason.”
“Those are the types of teams…I expect them all to be in the mix…How does your team finish in the playoffs…that’s gonna really determine who feels they’re a KD away”
– Shams lists Knicks among teams with “mutual interest” with Kevin Durant at deadlinepic.twitter.com/8efry8CkuC
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 2, 2025
The writing has been on the wall that Durant will be traded this summer, especially after the Suns were close to sending him to the Warriors two months ago. The 36-year-old “vetoed” the Golden State trade, only because he didn’t want to be dealt midseason.
Phoenix currently sits a game and a half back from the No. 10 seed in the West. Durant sprained his ankle on Sunday night and is expected to miss at least a week. The regular season will end on April 13. The Suns’ odds of securing a Play-In Tournament spot don’t look great, which would increase the chances of a KD trade.
Knicks were reportedly interested in Kevin Durant before trade deadline
Only six years ago, many believed that Durant would wind up in New York. He was a free agent and met with the Knicks, but he and Kyrie Irving opted to sign with the Nets instead. Remember when everyone thought Brooklyn was going to win its first-ever NBA championship?
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