Kevin Durant recently encouraged the Knicks and Jalen Brunson to capitalize on their historic championship win while the momentum is still fresh.
In a discussion at the Cannes Film Festival, he addressed the Knicks and offered advice to Brunson regarding new promotional and advertising opportunities. “I would tell him to strike while the iron is hot,” Durant remarked. He emphasized that this is a moment that New Yorkers, especially the Knicks, may not see again anytime soon, urging them to seize the opportunity.
“It’s been 53 years. We may have to wait another 53 years,” he noted, reflecting on the long championship drought.
Durant, 37, once said back in 2019 that “the Knicks aren’t the cool thing right now,” choosing to sign with the Brooklyn Nets at that time. He later clarified that he didn’t aim to become the savior of the Knicks or New York.
After spending three and a half seasons in Brooklyn, Durant was traded to the Suns in February 2023, which coincided with Brunson’s inaugural season with the Knicks.
Since then, Brunson has emerged as a key player, helping turn the Knicks into a significant contender in the Eastern Conference, ultimately leading to their recent NBA championship triumph.
Brunson’s popularity has surged, with a photo shoot selling out for nearly $1,000 at the upcoming Fanatics Fest and his trading cards gaining value following the team’s success.
In a light-hearted moment, Brunson even mentioned the possibility of guest-starring on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” alongside his friend Mariska Hargitay.
“Take every opportunity to listen to them and see what they like,” Durant advised. “I think Jalen has done a great job of being himself every day and stepping up. His identity is rooted in being someone from New York City who climbed his way to the top and made history here.”
