The Athletic NBA Daily: Kevin Durant Trades + Knicks Coaching Madness | Morning Shoot Around

Release Date: June 12, 2025

Hosted by Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni, The Athletic NBA Daily delivers a comprehensive and engaging recap of the most pivotal moments in professional basketball. In this episode titled "Kevin Durant Trades + Knicks Coaching Madness | Morning Shoot Around," the hosts delve deep into the latest NBA developments, focusing on the Oklahoma City Thunder's performance, the New York Knicks' tumultuous coaching search, and the swirling rumors surrounding Kevin Durant's potential trade.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder's Recent Performance and T.J. McConnell's Impact

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the Oklahoma City Thunder's recent games. Andrew spearheads the discussion, highlighting the team's shooting percentages and overall performance metrics.

• Shooting Statistics:
  • "The Thunder shot 25% in the mid-range yesterday brutal 3 of 3 of 12 in the paint non-restricted area." — Andrew [02:11]
  • "They shot 58.8% in the mid-range." — Andrew [03:04]

The conversation shifts to standout player T.J. McConnell, whose versatile performance has garnered attention.

• T.J. McConnell's Versatility:
  • "He's one of 15 players to have 10 points, five assists, and five steals. He's on a list with Michael Jordan." — Cam Jordan [03:39]
  • "T.J. McConnell is the Michael Jordan of Matthew Dellavedova." — Zena [03:51]

The hosts marvel at McConnell's capabilities, comparing his impact to legends, and discuss his potential to elevate any team he joins.

2. New York Knicks' Coaching Carousel

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the Knicks' ongoing search for a new head coach following Tom Thibodeau's abrupt exit. The hosts express skepticism over the Knicks' current strategy in securing a suitable replacement.

• Challenges in Hiring:
  • "The Knicks have just been knocking on another door... It's almost like they're selling something." — Andrew [10:43]
  • "If an organization was willing to allow you to interview their coach, there would be a reason for that." — Zena [11:42]

The discussion highlights potential candidates such as Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins, debating their fit and the implications of hiring seasoned coaches versus emerging talents.

• Candidate Analysis:
  • "Mike Brown makes more sense than Taylor Jenkins for the Knicks for sure." — Cam Jordan [15:34]
  • "Tom Thibodeau is one of the greatest defensive coaches of this generation." — Cam Jordan [16:19]

The hosts critique the Knicks' approach, suggesting that the organization may be acting hastily without a concrete plan, drawing comparisons to other teams like Memphis and Denver.

3. Kevin Durant Trade Speculations

Transitioning to one of the episode's major topics, the hosts engage in lively speculation about Kevin Durant's potential trade destinations. The conversation is filled with humor and camaraderie as they propose various fictional trade scenarios.

• Potential Destinations:
  • "It's been narrowed down to five, correct?" — Zena [32:36]
  • "Miami. Miami. Miami." — Cam Jordan [33:09]

The hosts debate the feasibility and strategic sense of Durant moving to teams like the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Minnesota Timberwolves, considering the fit with existing rosters and team needs.

• Trade Dynamics:
  • "The Spurs could do this and also Trey Free, like they have enough to be able to do both." — Paige [37:34]
  • "Durant getting traded to the Wolves makes a lot of sense considering the relationship and the fit KD next to Gobert." — Cam Jordan [39:51]

The segment underscores the complexities of NBA trades, balancing star talent distribution with team chemistry and long-term strategies.

4. Predictions and Closing Remarks

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts share their predictions for upcoming games and reflect on the day's discussions.

• Game Predictions:
  • "The Thunder always bounced back after a loss. My expectations are that they'll bounce back after the loss." — Andrew [42:26]
  • "Close win. Okay. All right. Thanks so much for listening to the morning shoot around." — Andrew [42:45]

They encourage listeners to stay tuned for future episodes, promising more insights and lively debates on NBA happenings.

Notable Quotes:

• "T.J. McConnell is the Michael Jordan of Matthew Dellavedova." — Zena [03:51]
• "Mike Brown makes more sense than Taylor Jenkins for the Knicks for sure." — Cam Jordan [15:34]
• "Money is just this... It is never enough." — Andrew [24:18]

Conclusion

In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, listeners are treated to a thorough exploration of the Oklahoma City Thunder's performance nuances, the New York Knicks' fraught coaching search, and the swirling possibilities surrounding Kevin Durant's future. The hosts' insightful analysis, coupled with their engaging banter and strategic breakdowns, provides a rich listening experience for NBA enthusiasts seeking to stay informed and entertained.