Knicks · Lets talk about Kevin Durant (page 4)

GustavBahler @ 6/11/2025 8:55 PM
VDesai wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
martin wrote:Someone lock the thread!!! lol

and thats fine, running it back is a fine option as well.

a new coach that can diversify the offense more.

Mitch starting the season healthy.

growth from within.

adding a solid vet in FAgency.

Mitch value as high as it's been probably in 3-4 years --- would be interesting to see maybe if 1 team might overpay for him and we find someone else with some additional skills to man backup 5.

I dont even know what an overpay looks like though, because even getting great value for Mitch, probably doesn't make us better. He's probably more valuable to us than he is to most teams.

Mitch was really valuable to Thibs. Im not sure how he fits another coach. Thibs manta was rim protection and offensive rebounding.

Who doesnt want rim protection and offensive rebounding? Teams had to adjust their game plan because of Mitch. Who wouldnt want that kind of player?

VDesai @ 6/12/2025 8:46 AM
GustavBahler wrote:
VDesai wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
martin wrote:Someone lock the thread!!! lol

and thats fine, running it back is a fine option as well.

a new coach that can diversify the offense more.

Mitch starting the season healthy.

growth from within.

adding a solid vet in FAgency.

Mitch value as high as it's been probably in 3-4 years --- would be interesting to see maybe if 1 team might overpay for him and we find someone else with some additional skills to man backup 5.

I dont even know what an overpay looks like though, because even getting great value for Mitch, probably doesn't make us better. He's probably more valuable to us than he is to most teams.

Mitch was really valuable to Thibs. Im not sure how he fits another coach. Thibs manta was rim protection and offensive rebounding.

Who doesnt want rim protection and offensive rebounding? Teams had to adjust their game plan because of Mitch. Who wouldnt want that kind of player?

I know they make sense...there's just a difference between a coach that emphasizes these two particular tenets as the most important part of his strategy and will take a deficit of offense to have this on the court. A lot of coaches don't view it the same way. Your traditional rimcrashing bigs with limited offensive game have been severely undervalued in both FA and trade market lately. Guys like iHart and Allen got paid, but generally offer more on the offensive end of the floor (Hartenstein in particular is a great ball mover and screen setter).

LivingLegend @ 6/12/2025 9:37 AM
nycericanguy wrote:
VDesai wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
martin wrote:Someone lock the thread!!! lol

and thats fine, running it back is a fine option as well.

a new coach that can diversify the offense more.

Mitch starting the season healthy.

growth from within.

adding a solid vet in FAgency.

Mitch value as high as it's been probably in 3-4 years --- would be interesting to see maybe if 1 team might overpay for him and we find someone else with some additional skills to man backup 5.

I dont even know what an overpay looks like though, because even getting great value for Mitch, probably doesn't make us better. He's probably more valuable to us than he is to most teams.

Mitch was really valuable to Thibs. Im not sure how he fits another coach. Thibs manta was rim protection and offensive rebounding.

That might have applied in previous seasons, but as long as KAT is here, I think Mitch is insanely valuable to us. Can't have 48 minutes without rim protection.

Good points back and forth --- all I'm saying is it's GREAT that his value is where it is today vs where we were last year when he was coming off injury/surgery and in no condition to play.

I respect what Mitch has done in some big games but I also think he's not the be all end all and it's at least possible Knicks could decide to sell high.

We'll see --- I've certainly been wrong on Mitchy before.

LivingLegend @ 6/12/2025 9:43 AM
VDesai wrote:
GustavBahler wrote:
VDesai wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
martin wrote:Someone lock the thread!!! lol

and thats fine, running it back is a fine option as well.

a new coach that can diversify the offense more.

Mitch starting the season healthy.

growth from within.

adding a solid vet in FAgency.

Mitch value as high as it's been probably in 3-4 years --- would be interesting to see maybe if 1 team might overpay for him and we find someone else with some additional skills to man backup 5.

I dont even know what an overpay looks like though, because even getting great value for Mitch, probably doesn't make us better. He's probably more valuable to us than he is to most teams.

Mitch was really valuable to Thibs. Im not sure how he fits another coach. Thibs manta was rim protection and offensive rebounding.

Who doesnt want rim protection and offensive rebounding? Teams had to adjust their game plan because of Mitch. Who wouldnt want that kind of player?

I know they make sense...there's just a difference between a coach that emphasizes these two particular tenets as the most important part of his strategy and will take a deficit of offense to have this on the court. A lot of coaches don't view it the same way. Your traditional rimcrashing bigs with limited offensive game have been severely undervalued in both FA and trade market lately. Guys like iHart and Allen got paid, but generally offer more on the offensive end of the floor (Hartenstein in particular is a great ball mover and screen setter).

Mitch isn't the only back up center in the NBA - other NBA playoff teams getting by with other options.

If we could change Mitch into a viable top 8 rotation player who can dribble, pass and shoot it could be a good thing.

Not saying we don't need a solid back up center just saying more than 1 way to build a roster and certainly would be nice to have a solid big who can also pass/score/shoot some.

nyvector16 @ 6/12/2025 10:22 AM
The Center position will be one of the most sought after this free agency period.
I would not trade Mitch for anything other than a center... like in a package for Walker Kessler or something similar.

If we trade Mitch for a forward or a Guard and do not end up with a solid center pickup this offseason, I don't think we would even make it out of the 2nd round in 2026 playoffs if we even make it that far.

Ironically if Mitch had KAT's offense or if KAT had Mitch's defense we would have the leaque MVP shoe-in. It is so hard to find solid two-way players, especially at the center position.

Philc1 @ 6/12/2025 11:39 AM
GustavBahler wrote:
VDesai wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
martin wrote:Someone lock the thread!!! lol

and thats fine, running it back is a fine option as well.

a new coach that can diversify the offense more.

Mitch starting the season healthy.

growth from within.

adding a solid vet in FAgency.

Mitch value as high as it's been probably in 3-4 years --- would be interesting to see maybe if 1 team might overpay for him and we find someone else with some additional skills to man backup 5.

I dont even know what an overpay looks like though, because even getting great value for Mitch, probably doesn't make us better. He's probably more valuable to us than he is to most teams.

Mitch was really valuable to Thibs. Im not sure how he fits another coach. Thibs manta was rim protection and offensive rebounding.

Who doesnt want rim protection and offensive rebounding? Teams had to adjust their game plan because of Mitch. Who wouldnt want that kind of player?

If I’m a coach getting interviewed by Rose first thing I say is I want Mitch extended

Nalod @ 6/12/2025 2:27 PM
Philc1 wrote:
GustavBahler wrote:
VDesai wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
martin wrote:Someone lock the thread!!! lol

and thats fine, running it back is a fine option as well.

a new coach that can diversify the offense more.

Mitch starting the season healthy.

growth from within.

adding a solid vet in FAgency.

Mitch value as high as it's been probably in 3-4 years --- would be interesting to see maybe if 1 team might overpay for him and we find someone else with some additional skills to man backup 5.

I dont even know what an overpay looks like though, because even getting great value for Mitch, probably doesn't make us better. He's probably more valuable to us than he is to most teams.

Mitch was really valuable to Thibs. Im not sure how he fits another coach. Thibs manta was rim protection and offensive rebounding.

Who doesnt want rim protection and offensive rebounding? Teams had to adjust their game plan because of Mitch. Who wouldnt want that kind of player?

If I’m a coach getting interviewed by Rose first thing I say is I want Mitch extended

Its a short interview for you.
If they give you scenarios of how you will use him thats another story. If there is a scenario were you have a pretend roster and then are tasked with presenting a scenrio where he is injured again for half the season you need other things.

LivingLegend @ 6/12/2025 2:51 PM
Just saw this stat...

Phoenix 33-29 with KD and 3-17 without KD.

LivingLegend @ 6/12/2025 4:52 PM
Both Shams and Windy claiming today that Knicks still in on Durant.

Shams - one of 5 teams in discussions with Suns the last 24 hours.

I say he goes to Minny but Durant should end here in NY.

GustavBahler @ 6/12/2025 5:06 PM
LivingLegend wrote:
VDesai wrote:
GustavBahler wrote:
VDesai wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
martin wrote:Someone lock the thread!!! lol

and thats fine, running it back is a fine option as well.

a new coach that can diversify the offense more.

Mitch starting the season healthy.

growth from within.

adding a solid vet in FAgency.

Mitch value as high as it's been probably in 3-4 years --- would be interesting to see maybe if 1 team might overpay for him and we find someone else with some additional skills to man backup 5.

I dont even know what an overpay looks like though, because even getting great value for Mitch, probably doesn't make us better. He's probably more valuable to us than he is to most teams.

Mitch was really valuable to Thibs. Im not sure how he fits another coach. Thibs manta was rim protection and offensive rebounding.

Who doesnt want rim protection and offensive rebounding? Teams had to adjust their game plan because of Mitch. Who wouldnt want that kind of player?

I know they make sense...there's just a difference between a coach that emphasizes these two particular tenets as the most important part of his strategy and will take a deficit of offense to have this on the court. A lot of coaches don't view it the same way. Your traditional rimcrashing bigs with limited offensive game have been severely undervalued in both FA and trade market lately. Guys like iHart and Allen got paid, but generally offer more on the offensive end of the floor (Hartenstein in particular is a great ball mover and screen setter).

Mitch isn't the only back up center in the NBA - other NBA playoff teams getting by with other options.

If we could change Mitch into a viable top 8 rotation player who can dribble, pass and shoot it could be a good thing.

Not saying we don't need a solid back up center just saying more than 1 way to build a roster and certainly would be nice to have a solid big who can also pass/score/shoot some.

You make it sound like backup centers like Mitch are a dime a dozen. The numbers say otherwise.

Dont recall opposing coaches in the playoffs talking about another center the way they were talking about Mitch's ability to change the course of the series. Which he did. We dont get to the ECF without him.

GustavBahler @ 6/12/2025 5:11 PM
Philc1 wrote:
GustavBahler wrote:
VDesai wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
martin wrote:Someone lock the thread!!! lol

and thats fine, running it back is a fine option as well.

a new coach that can diversify the offense more.

Mitch starting the season healthy.

growth from within.

adding a solid vet in FAgency.

Mitch value as high as it's been probably in 3-4 years --- would be interesting to see maybe if 1 team might overpay for him and we find someone else with some additional skills to man backup 5.

I dont even know what an overpay looks like though, because even getting great value for Mitch, probably doesn't make us better. He's probably more valuable to us than he is to most teams.

Mitch was really valuable to Thibs. Im not sure how he fits another coach. Thibs manta was rim protection and offensive rebounding.

Who doesnt want rim protection and offensive rebounding? Teams had to adjust their game plan because of Mitch. Who wouldnt want that kind of player?

If I’m a coach getting interviewed by Rose first thing I say is I want Mitch extended

Unless we are getting Kessler, who is younger, and also an elite rim protector, hard pass. Backup center in NY could be the perfect role for Mitch. He erased a lot of mistakes with his offensive rebounding, better known as "bricks".

martin @ 6/12/2025 5:24 PM
LivingLegend wrote:Both Shams and Windy claiming today that Knicks still in on Durant.

Shams - one of 5 teams in discussions with Suns the last 24 hours.

I say he goes to Minny but Durant should end here in NY.

I legit don’t know how a Durant to Minny trade would work unless Gobert is involved, and you still need to tack on $20M in salary. It’s doable but a weird trade for Wolves.

martin @ 6/12/2025 6:37 PM
LivingLegend @ 6/12/2025 6:37 PM
martin wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:Both Shams and Windy claiming today that Knicks still in on Durant.

Shams - one of 5 teams in discussions with Suns the last 24 hours.

I say he goes to Minny but Durant should end here in NY.

I legit don’t know how a Durant to Minny trade would work unless Gobert is involved, and you still need to tack on $20M in salary. It’s doable but a weird trade for Wolves.

Was figuring Julius and pieces (Donte?)...but never looked at #s.

martin @ 6/12/2025 8:09 PM
LivingLegend wrote:
martin wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:Both Shams and Windy claiming today that Knicks still in on Durant.

Shams - one of 5 teams in discussions with Suns the last 24 hours.

I say he goes to Minny but Durant should end here in NY.

I legit don’t know how a Durant to Minny trade would work unless Gobert is involved, and you still need to tack on $20M in salary. It’s doable but a weird trade for Wolves.

Was figuring Julius and pieces (Donte?)...but never looked at #s.

Naz and Randle have opt outs. No way Randle opts in to that instead of extending?

I think Randle can opt in and tack on years, and then get traded? But I don’t think thats a plausible type thing?

Minny in a tough spot to try to move Randle, think this is one of the reasons on Knicks favored KAT.

LivingLegend @ 6/13/2025 12:16 AM
martin wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:
martin wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:Both Shams and Windy claiming today that Knicks still in on Durant.

Shams - one of 5 teams in discussions with Suns the last 24 hours.

I say he goes to Minny but Durant should end here in NY.

I legit don’t know how a Durant to Minny trade would work unless Gobert is involved, and you still need to tack on $20M in salary. It’s doable but a weird trade for Wolves.

Was figuring Julius and pieces (Donte?)...but never looked at #s.

Naz and Randle have opt outs. No way Randle opts in to that instead of extending?

I think Randle can opt in and tack on years, and then get traded? But I don’t think thats a plausible type thing?

Minny in a tough spot to try to move Randle, think this is one of the reasons on Knicks favored KAT.

I remembered Naz had the opt out and for some reason blanked on Julius so good catch.

Saw somewhere someone proposing Gobert/Donte/Dillingham -- which sounds yuck for Suns.

I wonder if Knicks might be offering a non-Kat package?

Me - I have severe doubts with Kat - great talent and $0.10 noggin.

Also heard a fan comment today that when you talk about great teammates it's usually something like Shaq/Kobe, Kareem/Magic, Stockton/Malone, Jordon/Pippen --- yet we have Brunson/Kat and those 2 basically can't share the court.

The above comment is one reason I entertain a 2-3 year KD window. His D at the 4 is major upgrade over cement feet Kat.

martin @ 6/13/2025 9:23 AM
LivingLegend wrote:
martin wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:
martin wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:Both Shams and Windy claiming today that Knicks still in on Durant.

Shams - one of 5 teams in discussions with Suns the last 24 hours.

I say he goes to Minny but Durant should end here in NY.

I legit don’t know how a Durant to Minny trade would work unless Gobert is involved, and you still need to tack on $20M in salary. It’s doable but a weird trade for Wolves.

Was figuring Julius and pieces (Donte?)...but never looked at #s.

Naz and Randle have opt outs. No way Randle opts in to that instead of extending?

I think Randle can opt in and tack on years, and then get traded? But I don’t think thats a plausible type thing?

Minny in a tough spot to try to move Randle, think this is one of the reasons on Knicks favored KAT.

I remembered Naz had the opt out and for some reason blanked on Julius so good catch.

Saw somewhere someone proposing Gobert/Donte/Dillingham -- which sounds yuck for Suns.

I wonder if Knicks might be offering a non-Kat package?

Me - I have severe doubts with Kat - great talent and $0.10 noggin.

Also heard a fan comment today that when you talk about great teammates it's usually something like Shaq/Kobe, Kareem/Magic, Stockton/Malone, Jordon/Pippen --- yet we have Brunson/Kat and those 2 basically can't share the court.

The above comment is one reason I entertain a 2-3 year KD window. His D at the 4 is major upgrade over cement feet Kat.

Bobby suggesting Gobert DDV Conley and pick #17

LivingLegend @ 6/13/2025 9:40 AM
GustavBahler wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:
VDesai wrote:
GustavBahler wrote:
VDesai wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:
nycericanguy wrote:
martin wrote:Someone lock the thread!!! lol

and thats fine, running it back is a fine option as well.

a new coach that can diversify the offense more.

Mitch starting the season healthy.

growth from within.

adding a solid vet in FAgency.

Mitch value as high as it's been probably in 3-4 years --- would be interesting to see maybe if 1 team might overpay for him and we find someone else with some additional skills to man backup 5.

I dont even know what an overpay looks like though, because even getting great value for Mitch, probably doesn't make us better. He's probably more valuable to us than he is to most teams.

Mitch was really valuable to Thibs. Im not sure how he fits another coach. Thibs manta was rim protection and offensive rebounding.

Who doesnt want rim protection and offensive rebounding? Teams had to adjust their game plan because of Mitch. Who wouldnt want that kind of player?

I know they make sense...there's just a difference between a coach that emphasizes these two particular tenets as the most important part of his strategy and will take a deficit of offense to have this on the court. A lot of coaches don't view it the same way. Your traditional rimcrashing bigs with limited offensive game have been severely undervalued in both FA and trade market lately. Guys like iHart and Allen got paid, but generally offer more on the offensive end of the floor (Hartenstein in particular is a great ball mover and screen setter).

Mitch isn't the only back up center in the NBA - other NBA playoff teams getting by with other options.

If we could change Mitch into a viable top 8 rotation player who can dribble, pass and shoot it could be a good thing.

Not saying we don't need a solid back up center just saying more than 1 way to build a roster and certainly would be nice to have a solid big who can also pass/score/shoot some.

You make it sound like backup centers like Mitch are a dime a dozen. The numbers say otherwise.

Dont recall opposing coaches in the playoffs talking about another center the way they were talking about Mitch's ability to change the course of the series. Which he did. We dont get to the ECF without him.

All I'm saying is it's possible our roster could be better if we swung Mitch for a legit top 8 rotation player (Rui H as an example) and we were able to sign or trade for a free agent back-up center that might negate some of what we lose for Mitch. Mitch for all of his impact on offensive boards and defense virtually had no market last summer because he was hurt for the 100th time and his game has massive limitations. Mitch is a guy we can't even put on the floor if we are in the bonus or the game is late/close because the other team will stick him on the foul line.

So Mitch is great and Mitch is also not so great.

LivingLegend @ 6/13/2025 9:42 AM
martin wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:
martin wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:
martin wrote:
LivingLegend wrote:Both Shams and Windy claiming today that Knicks still in on Durant.

Shams - one of 5 teams in discussions with Suns the last 24 hours.

I say he goes to Minny but Durant should end here in NY.

I legit don’t know how a Durant to Minny trade would work unless Gobert is involved, and you still need to tack on $20M in salary. It’s doable but a weird trade for Wolves.

Was figuring Julius and pieces (Donte?)...but never looked at #s.

Naz and Randle have opt outs. No way Randle opts in to that instead of extending?

I think Randle can opt in and tack on years, and then get traded? But I don’t think thats a plausible type thing?

Minny in a tough spot to try to move Randle, think this is one of the reasons on Knicks favored KAT.

I remembered Naz had the opt out and for some reason blanked on Julius so good catch.

Saw somewhere someone proposing Gobert/Donte/Dillingham -- which sounds yuck for Suns.

I wonder if Knicks might be offering a non-Kat package?

Me - I have severe doubts with Kat - great talent and $0.10 noggin.

Also heard a fan comment today that when you talk about great teammates it's usually something like Shaq/Kobe, Kareem/Magic, Stockton/Malone, Jordon/Pippen --- yet we have Brunson/Kat and those 2 basically can't share the court.

The above comment is one reason I entertain a 2-3 year KD window. His D at the 4 is major upgrade over cement feet Kat.

Bobby suggesting Gobert DDV Conley and pick #17

And that also sounds yuck for Phx - Rudy getting old, Conley already old and DD plus middling pick.

Well it could be ok for Suns but would think if Kat were dangled that could be more interesting to Suns.

Page 4 of 4
Back to Knicks Forum
2025 © UltimateKnicks.com