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Why the New York Knicks are a real option for Kevin Durant

By Tony Pesta

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 26: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 26, 2018 in New York City. The Warriors defeated the Knicks 128-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 26: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 26, 2018 in New York City. The Warriors defeated the Knicks 128-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Kevin Durant very well could end up leaving the Golden State Warriors this season and here is why the New York Knicks are a potential landing spot.

The Golden State Warriors will be doing everything they can to ensure that Kevin Durant remains in Oakland this Summer. However, NBA players are more unpredictable than ever in today’s league. It’s entirely possible that Kevin Durant will be on his way to the New York Knicks.

The first question that most people ask when hearing this rumor is: “Why would he want to play for the Knicks?”. Not many fans have been paying attention to the Knicks as they slowly work towards creating a future for their franchise. But, Durant may be noticing everything they do.

The Knicks currently have a few young players on the rosters capable of being stars. Rookie Kevin Knox has shown flashes of greatness and has even earned a selection to the 2019 Rising Stars Game.

Meanwhile, the newly acquired Dennis Smith Jr. is an explosive guard that is eager to prove himself in the NBA. This isn’t even mentioning the defensive-minded guard, Frank Nitlikina, who still has the potential to be solid.

So, the Knicks have been doing a decent job at building for the future by adding young talent. However, the most notable thing that New York has been doing is freeing up cap space to sign two max contract players this Summer.

This freedom in the salary has paved the way for two All-NBA caliber players to join the Knicks this offseason. Names such as Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler are a few that might find themselves playing in the Garden this year. Furthermore, Anthony Davis could be quick on his way by the 2020 season.

If one of these superstar players make the decision to join New York, it could have a domino effect on Durant. It’s very possible that KD could follow another star to the Knicks and make his emphatic entrance to the Eastern Conference.

Throw all of this in with the fact that the Warriors may have to choose between offering a max contract to either Durant or Klay Thompson and we have another reason as to why Durant would leave. Should the Warriors opt to give Thompson the max and low-ball Durant, he might be more interested in joining the Knicks and signing a bigger deal.

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