In a blockbuster trade scenario crafted by Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, the NBA landscape could be shaken once again, this time by a four-team deal that lands Kevin Durant in New York and Karl-Anthony Towns in New Orleans. The hypothetical transaction sees major players and assets move across the league, offering short- and long-term ramifications for every franchise involved.
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns (via Knicks)
New York Knicks Receive: Kevin Durant (via Suns)
Phoenix Suns Receive: Dejounte Murray (via Pelicans), Yves Missi (via Pelicans), Kelly Olynyk (via Pelicans), 2026 First-Round pick swap (via Wizards), 2026 Indiana Pacers’ First-Round pick (Top 4 Protected, via Pelicans), 2026 New Orleans Pelicans First-Round pick (Top 9 protected), 2028 First Round pick swap (via Knicks), 2031 Toronto Raptors First-Round pick (via Pelicans)
Washington Wizards Receive: P.J. Tucker, 2027 First-Round pick swap (via Pelicans)
The Knicks Finally Get Kevin Durant
The Knicks have long been connected to Kevin Durant, and this deal finally gets them the generational scorer they’ve always dreamed of. By flipping Towns and some future draft flexibility, New York pairs Durant with Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, forming an elite two-way trio that fits better than the offense-first pairing of Towns and Brunson.
Durant’s age (he’ll be 37 by next season) is a real concern, but his scoring and defensive intelligence still make him a better playoff weapon than Towns, whose postseason resume remains underwhelming.
The Knicks also create long-term flexibility: Durant is on an expiring deal, which could allow them to pivot quickly if needed.
Financially, offloading P.J. Tucker helps avoid hard-cap complications, and with Mitchell Robinson still on the roster, replacing Towns’ minutes isn’t an immediate crisis.
The Pelicans Land Another Star
New Orleans has reportedly doubled down on Zion Williamson as their centerpiece, and if that’s the case, finding a frontcourt partner who spaces the floor becomes vital. Enter Karl-Anthony Towns, whose shooting ability makes him an ideal offensive fit next to Zion.
The Pelicans give up valuable picks and young talent like Yves Missi, but Towns helps address their biggest issue: floor spacing and consistent offensive firepower.
Dejounte Murray’s Achilles injury made him a questionable long-term piece, and Olynyk was a short-term veteran stopgap.
This move signals a win-now intent while still keeping core defensive assets like Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III intact.
The Suns Hit The Reset Button
Phoenix hits the reset button smartly. Instead of clinging to an aging Durant on a team that’s already past its window, the Suns recover multiple valuable picks, get control of their own 2026 selection, and take on two promising assets in Yves Missi and Dejounte Murray (once healthy).
This isn’t a full rebuild, but a strategic retool. Missi gives them a high-upside big to develop, and Murray, when back, can slot next to Booker as a defense-first playmaker.
With over $6 million in pre-tax savings and fewer roster-building restrictions post-Durant, the Suns create room for future deals while preparing for life after the failed “superteam” era.
The Wizards Get Draft Capital
Washington plays the long game. They send Phoenix back its 2026 pick swap rights in exchange for a more promising swap opportunity in 2027, between Milwaukee and New Orleans.
With the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo uncertain and Zion’s injury history, the 2027 swap has significant upside. Taking on P.J. Tucker’s minimum salary is a minor cost for that potential gain.
Final Thoughts
It’s rare to see a trade where all four teams can walk away feeling optimistic, but this blockbuster might be as close as it gets. The Knicks go all-in. The Pelicans double down on fit. The Suns reset smartly. And the Wizards gain long-term flexibility.
If ever there was a proposal worthy of headline-making chaos and legitimate consideration, this is it.
