Kevin Durant considers the New York Knicks a possible destination for when he hits free agency in 2016, according the New York Daily News' Frank Isola. A person close to Durant reportedly said "no question about it. Kevin loves Carmelo (Anthony). It could work in New York." The Knicks are therefore "in the game," per Isola.
The Knicks are ‘in the game’ for Kevin Durant, according to report
The Knicks are in the running for Durant in 2016, according to one report. We’re skeptical of this one.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Speculation about Durant's free agency began last season, when his hometown Washington Wizards emerged as a possibility. In Isola's piece, the Lakers, Mavericks and of course the Thunder are also mentioned as viable destinations. The Knicks haven't been linked to Durant until now, mostly because it was assumed they'd never have a chance to land the Thunder star. The Knicks don't exactly have the greatest history of recruiting superstars to New York in free agency recently.
But could Durant actually choose New York in 2016 over teams like Washington, the Lakers, Dallas and, of course, Oklahoma City? Let’s take a closer look at this rumor.
Why it makes sense
The Knicks will have Carmelo Anthony under contract, a player Isola's source says Durant loves. They will also have a top young player from this next year's draft in tow and a lot of cap space, as only Anthony, whoever they select in the draft and Jose Calderon will have guaranteed contracts past next season. If the salary cap continues to rise, it would be possible for New York to offer Durant the max and lure another quality free agent, forming a good core that could contend. One year later, Calderon's contract expires and the cap could explode thanks to the new TV deal the league recently signed, allowing the Knicks to make yet another acquisition.
Other than a clear cap slate, what the Knicks can offer is the exposure that comes with playing in New York. Even through this terrible season the Madison Square Garden is at capacity when the Knicks play and celebrities are in attendance. Durant doesn’t seem like the type to get caught up in the trappings of fame, but a radical change of scenery after spending his entire pro career in Oklahoma City could be appealing.
Finally, the Knicks no longer show a willingness to spend that borders on reckless. With Phil Jackson now in charge, they could finally channel all those resources better. Durant has seen the Thunder make cost cutting move after cost cutting move, most famously trading James Harden to avoid paying the luxury tax. Playing for a franchise to which money is not a problem would surely be a welcomed change for him.
Why it doesn’t make sense
We are talking about something that can’t happen for two seasons! The Thunder are not looking great right now, but could still make the playoffs. From then on, who knows? They certainly have the talent to advance in the postseason even from a low seed. And if the team makes the finals this season or the next, Durant would have very little reason to escape Oklahoma City, leaving millions on the table.
Even if the team losses some role players in free agency, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka are under contract and as a core they are much better than anything the Knicks can offer unless they select a franchise-altering talent in the draft. Isola mentions that there are rumblings that Durant doesn't like playing with Westbrook but so far that hasn't been confirmed by anyone. In fact, the two seem very close. If Durant doesn't like Westbrook and the Thunder want to keep the reigning league MVP, they could trade Westbrook to any team and receive a star in return.
Other than the appeal of New York City, the Knicks have little to offer. Anthony will be 32 by the time Durant hits free agency and Calderon is not close to a star. Phil Jackson and Durant's former teammate and current Knicks coach Derek Fisher might not even be with the franchise at that point considering how James Dolan treats employees. The nightlife and the cultural aspect of the city might be unparalleled, but Durant has always acted as if winning was the most important thing for him and the Knicks can't offer him a better chance to do that than the Thunder or Wizards could.
Likelihood (1/10)
Every time a star is about to hit the market, reports out of New York surface claiming the Knicks are in play. Time and time again, free agents have decided to go to places that offered them the best chance to win and have a core already in place.
If Durant decides against staying in Oklahoma City, there are other teams he could join who have a better foundation in place already. Unless something dramatic happens to the Knicks’ roster, don’t expect them to be on Durant’s short list.
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