New York Knicks fans have long yearned for a return to championship contention, a pursuit that has often involved chasing high-profile free agents. Now, former Knicks head coach David Fizdale is alleging that the organization once led him to believe they were on the verge of landing two of the NBA’s biggest stars: Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The claims, made during an appearance on the “Run It Back” podcast, offer a glimpse into the internal dynamics and perhaps overly optimistic projections during Fizdale’s tenure in New York.
Fizdale, who coached the Knicks from 2018 to 2020, also revealed details about a perceived directive to lose games in order to improve the team’s draft position. These accusations paint a picture of a franchise grappling with a long-term rebuilding plan and a willingness to explore unconventional strategies. The Knicks, currently third in the Eastern Conference as of March 4, 2026, have undergone a significant transformation since Fizdale’s departure, but the echoes of those earlier struggles continue to resonate.
According to Fizdale, the Knicks’ front office conveyed a strong sense of confidence that both Durant and Irving would sign with the team in the summer following his arrival. “Then that summer, our people seemed to have thought KD and Kyrie for sure was coming to us. That sh– didn’t work out,” Fizdale stated. This revelation underscores the challenges the Knicks have historically faced in attracting top free agents, despite the allure of playing in New York City. The Knicks have largely built their current roster through trades and extensions, with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and O.G. Anunoby all acquired through those methods, as noted by Heavy.com.
Tanking Allegations and the 2019 Draft
Beyond the Durant and Irving pursuit, Fizdale also claimed the Knicks were actively attempting to “tank” – intentionally lose games – to secure a higher draft pick. He alleges he was told to “donate” his record in pursuit of Zion Williamson or Ja Morant, both of whom were highly touted prospects in the 2019 NBA Draft. “You know losing all those damn games, donating my record to get Zion Williamson or Ja,” Fizdale said. The Knicks ultimately ended up with the third overall pick in that draft, selecting RJ Barrett, who was later traded to the Toronto Raptors.
Fizdale’s Tenure and the Current Knicks’ Success
Fizdale’s time with the Knicks was ultimately short-lived, lasting just over a season and a half. He was fired in December 2019 after a disappointing start to the season. Although he expressed frustration with the roster he inherited, acknowledging it was a “strange” group, he also noted the talent of players like Bobby Portis, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson. Barrett, he said, was the most consistently reliable player during his coaching stint.
The current iteration of the Knicks, but, appears to be on a different trajectory. They are currently considered championship contenders, holding the third seed in the Eastern Conference and boasting the third-ranked offense in the league. After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the team believes it is poised to grab the next step and contend for an NBA title. This success is a stark contrast to the struggles experienced during Fizdale’s time at the helm.
What’s Next for the Knicks and Fizdale?
The Knicks’ current success is built on a foundation of strategic trades and player development, a far cry from the free-agent promises of the past. If they can maintain their health and continue to build on their current momentum, they represent a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference. Fizdale, meanwhile, has not held a head coaching position since his departure from New York in 2020. He is currently an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns, having previously held assistant roles with the Los Angeles Lakers, as detailed on the NBA Coaches Association website.
The revelations from Fizdale offer a fascinating, if critical, perspective on the challenges and complexities of rebuilding an NBA franchise. While the Knicks’ past struggles are well-documented, their current trajectory suggests a brighter future, built on a different approach than the one Fizdale describes. What remains to be seen is whether this new approach will finally deliver a championship to New York.
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