aboss4real24
01-31-2015, 06:33 PM
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.
Speculation about Durant's free agency began last season, when his hometownWashington Wizards emerged as a possibility. In Isola's piece, the Lakers, Mavericksand 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 Calderonwill 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. WithPhil 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.
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/1/29/7944981/kevin-durant-rumors-free-agent-knicks
Speculation about Durant's free agency began last season, when his hometownWashington Wizards emerged as a possibility. In Isola's piece, the Lakers, Mavericksand 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 Calderonwill 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. WithPhil 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.
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/1/29/7944981/kevin-durant-rumors-free-agent-knicks