It’s no secret that the New York Knicks are interested in Kevin Durant but they’ve always been considered a long shot compared to the Golden State Warriors or San Antonio Spurs. But after making a big move yesterday to get Derrick Rose from the Chicago Bulls, Knicks president Phil Jackson thinks they have a better chance.
via the NYDN:
Phil Jackson believes that by acquiring the former MVP point guard for one starter, a rookie and a veteran with an expiring contract the Knicks enhanced their bid to land the biggest free agent on the market, Kevin Durant.
According to a source, Jackson told Rose of his plan to pursue Durant starting on July 1st. That in of itself may be the worst-kept secret in the NBA, along with the notion that Golden State, San Antonio, Miami and both Los Angeles clubs are also planning to recruit Durant.
The difference now, however, is that the Knicks are not only selling Durant on Madison Square Garden and Madison Avenue, but also a roster that features a triangle we can all understand; Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis and Rose, who turns 28 in October.
Durant has said that where he goes will be a “basketball decision.” Obviously there’s better options if that is indeed the case but the Knicks will still shoot their shot.
Free agent negotiations begin July 1st.
