Report: Kevin Durant considering Knicks, being recruited by Carmelo Anthony

When Carmelo Anthony was a free agent last summer, Kevin Durant recruited him to the Knicks.

Durant reportedly pitched Melo on the virtues of New York coach Derek Fisher, who was previously Durant’s teammate with the Thunder.

Now, Melo – who re-signed with the Knicks – is reportedly returning the favor.

Stephen A. Smith of ESPN:

I know for a fact that Carmelo Anthony has been and will continue to recruit Kevin Durant until the cows come home. I’m also hearing that Kevin Durant is giving the New York Knicks consideration.

For what it’s worth, Melo strongly denied Smith’s last major report about him, that the star forward was upset about the Knicks drafting Kristaps Porzingis. That doesn’t mean Smith was wrong, but it’s something.

To the matter at hand, I believe Durant is considering the Knicks. I also believe he’s considering the Thunder and Wizards and…

I doubt Durant has made up his mind about 2016 free agency. Why would he this soon?

But outside Oklahoma City and Washington – the two major favorites for Durant – New York would be my pick to land him. That’s still a small chance, though.

First, the Knicks must prove they have a legitimate chance of winning. I believe the New York market still appeals to players, maybe including Durant. But that’s not enough. Seventeen wins in Phil Jackson’s first full season – especially when he appeared to be targeting a playoff berth – is concerning.

The Knicks should be better this year, though. Melo will likely be healthier, and the roster has improved around him. Free agent center Robin Lopez is a significant upgrade.

Respectability on the court won’t be enough, though. New York also needs to clear cap room.

The Knicks have $67,964,567 committed to eight players. With roster charges, that puts New York $18,861,549 below the projected salary cap of $89 million.

Durant’s starting salary projects to be $25,136,700.

Player options for Arron Afflalo ($8 million) and/or Derrick Williams ($4,598,000) could clear more room. If Durant wants to come, the Knicks would surely do what it takes to dump Jose Calderon ($7,708,427), Kyle O’Quinn ($3,918,750) and/or Jerian Grant ( $1,643,040). The salary cap could also land higher than projected, though that would also raise Durant’s max salary.

Clearing cap space is an obstacle, not impossible.

New York’s market can open the door for free agents considering the Knicks. Durant’s fondness for Fisher only helps, and Melo’s recruiting could help lay the groundwork. But it ultimately falls on Jackson – the team he assembled this season boosting New York’s credibility and his ability to clear cap space and sell Durant on his vision for the Knicks.

I think Kobe would come for the room exemption if the Knicks got Durant. Kobe would be a shell, but so was Ray Allen in Miami.

It's insane and I hate SAS for starting this bull****, but it could actually happen.

CrushAlot wrote:You would have two guys that are virtually unstoppable in a 1:1 situation but teams would have a really tough time double teaming either of them.

yeah that'd be great.. two guys taking turns going one on one. after all that's how you win.

wargames wrote:

dk7th wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:You would have two guys that are virtually unstoppable in a 1:1 situation but teams would have a really tough time double teaming either of them.

yeah that'd be great.. two guys taking turns going one on one. after all that's how you win.

This sarcasm is going over so many people's head its hilarious.

it'd be different if melo somehow developed a genuine passing/playmaking game in traffic like durant has been working hard on the last couple of seasons. i remember van gundy observing that that would be durant's next step. to his credit he has incorporated that into his game, and i imagine will continue to improve. i mean just look at his raw assist numbers and his usage to assist rate ratio. he's fantastic... and yet unless melo also improves his passing game it would be a recipe for underachievement. then again, if kristaps exploded as a premier passing big man then that would relegate melo to a third option in the triangle and that could actually work. at 31-34 years old it would be a good situation for melo.

StarksEwing1 wrote:I hope not too many get their hopes up again. I mean we heard the same thing with lebron, chris paul, and even greg monroe who most people pretty much guaranteed he Would come to NY. Also melo hasnt exactly been a proven recruiter except for maybe afflalo