The New York Knicks will be one of a handful of teams that pursue Kevin Durant if and when Durant becomes a free agent following the 2015-2016 season. Do they actually have a shot?
Frank Isola of the NY Daily News reports that the Knicks remain “in play” for Durant.
“No question about it,” a person close to Durant reportedly told Isola. “Kevin loves Carmelo (Anthony). It could work in New York. But never rule out the Thunder.”
We have heard this narrative for a while, and it is important to consider the source. If Isola’s source is one of Durant’s friends, it makes sense that he would want to make sure the market for his buddy is as big as it can possibly be. That means no team should be crossed off the list.
The Knicks have supposedly made some of their recent moves with the prospect of landing Durant in mind. KD is close with Derek Fisher, and Fisher hired another Durant guy when he brought in former Thunder assistant coach Brian Keefe.
In all likelihood, Phil Jackson will have to overhaul his roster this offseason and show some legitimate progress next year to attract a top free agent like Durant. And even though Anthony has made it clear he wants Jackson to bring in another star, would there be enough shots to go around if Carmelo and Durant were teammates?
Rumors don’t mean much. Durant could end up staying in Oklahoma City if he likes where his team is at, or he could decide to return home and sign with the Washington Wizards. Some thought he even hinted at that possibility when he sent this tweet. Durant has plenty of time to think it over.
