Report: Knicks Expected To Pursue Kevin Durant
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Knicks are expected to enter the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, according to a report.
ESPN's Marc Stein reported Tuesday morning that New York is one of several teams that are expected to pursue the free agent small forward this summer. The other teams mentioned were the Washington Wizards, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors.
Wizards, Heat, Celtics, Rockets, Knicks, Lakers, Spurs and, yes, Warriors ... all expected to pursue Kevin Durant in free agency this summer
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 31, 2016
Stein also reported that most league insiders believe Durant will sign a two-year maximum deal with the Thunder that would include an opt-out after next season. That would allow Durant and Russell Westbrook to remain together at least more season to make another run at a title.
The Warriors eliminated the Thunder, who had led the series 3-1, from the Western Conference finals on Monday night.
Durant wasn't in the mood to discuss his future after the 96-88 loss.
"I mean, we just lost like 30 minutes ago, so I haven't even thought about it," he told reporters. "I'm just embracing my teammates and just reflecting on the season. I'll think about that stuff, I don't know when."
Oklahoma City can offer Durant a five-year contract starting at $25 million per season with 7.5 percent in annual increases. Other teams can offer him a four-year deal for $25 million annually, but with only 4.5 percent raises.
If Derrick Williams and Arron Afflalo opt out of their contracts, the Knicks could have enough available under the salary cap to sign a player to a max contract.
League sources told ESPN's Ian Begley that Durant's admiration of power forward Kristaps Porzingis and his friendship with Carmelo Anthony could factor into Durant's view of the Knicks.
Durant, 27, is a seven-time All-Star and was voted MVP following the 2013-14 season. This season, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.