Here to shatter the dreams of a 2019-20 Knicks roster featuring Kevin Durant is …
2017 Kevin Durant.
The Warriors superstar and pending free agent, whose offseason whims will captivate the basketball world and have kept Knicks fans guessing, did not entertain the prospect of playing his home games at the Garden in the past.
In a purportedly two-year-old video unearthed this weekend that has since made the rounds, Durant, man on the street, is asked by fans when he will be joining the Knicks. He needed a single word.
“Never,” Durant responds.
A lot changes in a week for Durant, much less in two years, and the Knicks are hoping that’s the case. Having already traded Kristaps Porzingis, they have cleared enough cap space for two max spots, dreams of Durant and Kyrie Irving, along with a top draft pick, swimming in their heads.

https://nypost.com/2019/03/24/unearthed-video-shows-kevin-durant-is-never-coming-to-knicks/

Don't trust what NBA players say. Its what they do.
That's a general statement in life but often its not just bravado, like when a payer "guarantees a win", its also that they are asked a question and need to answer. Its not like a player just makes a statement, he is asked a question.
I have no doubt in Durants mind he knows the ramificatons and speculations his words commence. Has much changed for him to change his mind? Of course. Would he have said it anyway under contract for a few more years? He should.
Players don't want to talk about pending free agency. It divides his current team and its disrespectful to the fan.
Melo told us when he got his no trade clause he'd sacrifice his game for the wins. Im sure he was in the moment grateful and in his mind he wanted to win and do that. The roster did not warrant that and he had to be what he has always been. I don't fault him for the statement.
Kyrie said he'd reup in Boston and Im sure he meant it at the time. It was his intention. Shyt happens. That, and he won't say anything otherwise. They learned from DRose arrogant contract proclaimations and how it blew back on him.