Kendrick Perkins Questions Audacity of New York Knicks for Rejecting Kevin Durant

The former Celtics star was visibly frustrated with the Knicks’ decision to pass on Kevin Durant.

Kendrick Perkins Questions Audacity of New York Knicks for Rejecting Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant (Image via Firstsportz)

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The Kevin Durant trade saga continues to dominate NBA headlines, with the star reportedly narrowing his preferred destinations to the Spurs, Heat, or Rockets—while rejecting overtures from the Timberwolves. Surprisingly, the New York Knicks, who had the opportunity to pursue Durant, declined his interest.

Their decision has sparked heavy backlash across the league. Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins led the charge, slamming the Knicks for passing on a generational talent—especially after their crushing Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Pacers in the 2024-25 season.

The former Boston Celtics player and NBA champion said on the Gil’s Arena podcast, hosted by Gilbert Arenas, that the franchise isn’t qualified to turn down a superstar like Durant.

They f**ked me up the other day when they said they have no interest in getting Kevin Durant. I was like, ‘What? What you… like, who are you? And what have y’all done as a franchise, in the last 52… Like, y’all ain’t won a championship in 52 years. Who are y’all to say that y’all don’t have interest in one of the greatest scorers to ever touch the damn basketball?

Kendrick Perkins said

Perkins thinks that New York’s preference comes from connections with others more than basketball reasoning. Durant averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists per contest during the 2024-25 NBA season. Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks’ current center, finished with 3.1 assists, 12.8 rebounds, and 24.4 points, showcasing that the Suns star did much better than him this season.

In addition, Durant even accumulated greater amounts of blocks than the center, Towns, despite playing forward. This situation is easily comparable to the Knicks’ quest for a head coach.

Many members of the national NBA media expressed disapproval of the team’s decision to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks’ lack of achievements in previous decades was noted by veteran journalists as one of the reasons the team was stupid to believe it could perform better.

A fascinating Kevin Durant trade proposition from the Rockets is revealed by an NBA insider

One of the most talked-about subjects in the NBA right now is the Kevin Durant trade situation, and the Houston Rockets are the most active team in this regard. Recent sources state that the Rockets have made an alluring offer in an attempt to attract Durant.

According to NBA source Brett Siegel, the second seed in the recent season, Rockets side, is ready to cash in on their star man, Jalen Green, and the 10th pick in the 2027 draft. However, the Suns appear displeased with the deal and are seeking further players.

Jalen Green and the 10th pick in this year’s draft present a clear opportunity for the Rockets to swing a deal, but the Suns have demanded more, sources said. Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Reed Sheppard are among the young talents in Houston that Phoenix has expressed interest in. The Rockets have not been willing to part with any of the three to this point.

Brett Siegel reported via NBA Central

No one would have anticipated the Rockets to add in Green for Durant. Green was the Rockets’ biggest offensive threat this season, averaging 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. The team’s 52-30 record, which placed second in the Western Conference, could be attributed entirely to him.

The Timberwolves are determined to acquire Kevin Durant

The Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as one of the out-of-nowhere teams in these negotiations, and they likely have the resources needed to negotiate for Durant. In exchange for Kevin Durant, the Timberwolves are reportedly willing to part with one of their All-Star players to acquire the legendary NBA player, who has been voted a 15-time All-Star by the league.

Kevin Durant 2
Kevin Durant (Credits: MARCA)

According to Brett Siegel, the Wolves will need to be prepared to see major changes in their roster if they are to acquire Durant in addition to Anthony Edwards. Furthermore, the Timberwolves seem willing to forgo a lot of money to sign Durant and pair him with Edwards. That means one of Rudy Gobert or Julius Randle will have to make way for Durant if this deal were to happen.

Mostly because the Wolves made it clear that they would not part ways with their other star, Jaden McDaniels. Ant-Man, who once called Durant the inspiration during the 2025 Paris Olympics, now he would have the opportunity to play alongside him if the Wolves manage to conclude this deal.

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