The NY Knicks may chase Kevin Durant as a free agent in 2016 and Carmelo Anthony may try and recruit him to New York, as Durant has a connection to head coach Derek Fisher and Stephen A. smith reports that Durant could consider signing in the Big Apple. The Knicks have reportedly been interested in trades with Jamal Crawford and Ricky Rubio this summer and they could consider a Jose Calderon trade later in the season.
The Knicks are coming into the season after winning just 17 games, but Phil Jackson thinks that New York can improve a lot this season. The team made a number of moves, including bringing in Robin Lopez, Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams as well as rookies Jerian Grant and Kristaps Porzingis. This was the first wave for Jackson and now Durant could be the main target for the second wave.
According to Stephen A. Smith from ESPN, Durant is "giving the New York Knicks consideration" regarding his free agency and Carmelo Anthony has been helping out with recruiting. Smith writes that Anthony "has been and will continue to recruit" Durant and it comes after the two have played together in USA basketball. Anthony is with the Knicks long term and he is looking to build a foundation to try and win a championship.
The Knicks have been mentioned in trade rumors, including with Jamal Crawford and Ricky Rubio, while Jose Calderon has come up as an option that could be moved. Crawford has lost his main role in LA and could be traded, while Gigantes reports the Knicks could look into a deal for Rubio. Rubio reportedly said to Gulf News in Dubai (per Pro Basketball Talk) that he is confident that the team isn't looking to trade him. Frank Isola at the Daily News first reported the news about Crawford.
Getting Durant is farfetched, unlikely and even a bit crazy for the Knicks, but the city of New York can be alluring and there always is a chance he can be convinced. The Knicks likely will need to make the playoffs for any chance of wooing Durant, but in the east that could be possible.
Durant said earlier in the summer that he is not concentrating too hard on free agency yet and that any rumors that come up are likely not true. Durant said he is discussing his future plans with only close advisors and that other "sources" that report news about his free agency are not accurate. Durant has the chance to make a move if he wants, as teams like the Knicks, Mavericks, Lakers and Wizards would all love the chance to sign him.
The most likely outcome is Durant staying in Oklahoma City, as most major free agents remain with their original teams. Durant can sign the biggest contract in OKC and the team should still be a contender for a few more years with Russell Westbrook locked in. According to CBS Sports, Ken Berger reports that a poll of league execs at the summer league informally voted and they guess that Durant is going to remain in OKC.
Check here for more on the potential for Durant and the Knicks and more on Jose Calderon, Jamal Crawford and Ricky Rubio. Check here for the Stephen A. Smith video.
