The New York Knicks have big goals in free agency over the next two seasons. The team is preparing to have plenty of salary cap space to work with after the departures of players like Amar'e Stoudemire, Andrea Bargnani and potentially Jose Calderon. The team re-signed Carmelo Anthony for the long-term in hopes that he is a recruiting tool for bigger stars and the focus appears to be falling on Kevin Durant.
The Knicks' free agency plans were altered after Rajon Rondo was traded to the Dallas Mavericks and Kevin Love was sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Most are running under the assumption that both players will re-sign with their respective teams come free agency. The big names this offseason will be LaMarcus Aldridge, Marc Gasol and Greg Monroe, but Durant highlights the 2016 class.
According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, the Knicks will be big players for Durant because of the reigning MVP's friendship with Anthony. A source close to Durant says New York stands a very good stand of landing the star, but he is also not ruling out the potential of re-signing with the Thunder.
In 2016, Durant will be an unrestricted free agent and every team in the league will be preparing to throw money his way. The Washington Wizards are hoping he "comes home" like LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers will be looking for a new heir to throne after Kobe Bryant retires. The Toronto Raptors are hoping he likes Canada. The Knicks have Durant's old high school assistant coach currently on the roster while also hiring his former teammate Derek Fisher as the head coach. Is that enough to give New York the edge? Knicks fans will have to wait two years to find out.
For now, the Knicks must focus on 2015 and their glaring roster needs after several players depart. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, New York could target both Greg Monroe and Goran Dragic in free agency. Monroe would take over at center while Dragic is the best point guard available with Rondo out. The Knicks are also hoping Phil Jackson's relationship with the Gasol family is strong enough to pull Marc away from the Memphis Grizzlies.