After once claiming that the Knicks were not “cool,” future Hall-of-Famer Kevin Durant wanted to come to New York, only for Leon Rose and the franchise to decline.
The Phoenix Suns are working with the 36-year-old to facilitate a trade after two-plus unsuccessful seasons out West. After initial reports surfaced that the Knicks were one of five teams interested in Durant, it was quickly shot down.
Yahoo Sports’ Marc J. Spears further confirmed that in an appearance on NBA Today.
“KD wanted the New York Knicks,” he said. “He wanted to go there. The Knicks have no interest in bringing him in.”
ESPN insider Shams Charania provided further insight, saying that Durant’s top three choices are now the San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, and Houston Rockets.
The idea of Durant at Madison Square Garden was an intriguing one; almost something of a short-term mercenary that could help the franchise take the next step toward a first NBA title in 52 years after crashing out of the Eastern Conference Finals in six games at the hands of the Indiana Pacers.
It was New York’s first appearance in the conference final since 2000, but it was not good enough to save head coach Tom Thibodeau’s job, who was dismissed shortly after their elimination.
A run at Durant would have suggested that the Knicks are looking for an alternative option outside of Karl-Anthony Towns, who garnered All-Star honors in his first season with New York after being acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves, but whose defense as a center made him a liability and ultimately forced Thibodeau to start Mitchell Robinson at the 5 late in the conference finals. Towns was flexed to the 4, a move that ultimately could not save their season.
Durant averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season with the Suns, who went 36-46 and missed the playoffs.
