Rumor has it that Golden State forward Kevin Durant will sign with the New York Knicks and not the LA Clippers this summer, according to ESPN.
Ever since the LA Clippers have had the flexibility to create enough room to sign two max-level players this summer, two names have stuck out as suitable potential targets: Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant.
The consensus on Leonard seems to be that his decision will come down to him signing with either the Toronto Raptors or the Clippers, but the same can’t be said about Durant. His decision has been subject to plenty more speculation this season, and there are a few other teams involved in the conversation that aren’t necessarily there with Leonard.
One of those teams is the New York Knicks, and according to ESPN’s Ian Begley, some of Durant’s former and current teammates believe that he intends to sign with them once the free agency period begins in July. In addition to that, Begley wrote that an agent of another top free agent thinks it’s as simple as “putting pen to paper” at this point.
Executives reportedly believe that Durant signing with the Knicks would “change the narrative” around him, which changed after he signed with the Golden State Warriors almost immediately after they knocked his Oklahoma City Thunder out of the playoffs in 2016.
It’s no secret that the Clippers have had their sights set on pairing Durant and Leonard this summer, and if Durant signs elsewhere, that could potentially interfere with the team’s chances to bring in Leonard.
Of course, the Knicks signing Durant is easier said than done, and nothing is really certain until himself or his agent declares where he’ll be playing basketball after this season. Because of that, it’s important to keep in mind that any rumors at this point in the season are likely still speculation.
If Durant does sign elsewhere this summer, the Clippers will still have plenty of other free agents in their sights. Jimmy Butler, Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker all stand out from the crowd.
If LA wants to upgrade its front court, that option is available as well. Nikola Vucevic and Al Horford could both be in line to earn a healthy amount of money this offseason, and both could fit in with the Clippers.
Whether Durant signs with the Clippers or not this summer is still unknown, but rumors like these don’t exactly instill confidence in fans.