NBA Rumors: The New York Knicks could miss out on both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant
What's the story?
The New York Knicks have the cap space to add two max free agents this summer, and they have long been viewed as the frontrunners to land both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. However, according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, there are no guarantees that the Knicks will land the All-Star duo:
The idea that Irving and Warriors forward Kevin Durant have already decided on New York has been shot down by both people close to Irving and people close to the Knicks. The Knicks remain hopeful they can pair two elite stars with their promising young core, but they haven’t been given any assurances from anyone, including Irving, according to sources close to the Knicks.
In case you didn't know...
Durant has spent the past three seasons with the Golden State Warriors, with whom he has won back-to-back championships. KD has also twice been named Finals MVP, and during the 2019 playoffs, he has averaged 35.4 points per game.
Meanwhile, Irving is widely considered among the NBA's best point guards, and he notably helped the Cavaliers to win the 2016 title. He has since spent two seasons in Boston, and during the 18/19 regular season, he averaged 23.8 points and 6.9 assists per game
The heart of the matter
Alongside Kawhi Leonard, Durant and Irving are expected to be the most in-demand free agents of the 2019 offseason. Due to this, the Knicks will face intense competition to land both players. Nevertheless, the Knicks still appear to be the best-equipped franchise to sign both individuals this summer, and fans of the franchise are facing an exciting 19/20 season.
What's next?
Both KD and Irving will continue to compete in the 2019 postseason, while the Knicks are hoping to land Zion Williamson in the upcoming NBA draft.