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New York Knicks Rumors: Kevin Durant a possibility?

By Nick Ziegler

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Recent New York Knicks rumors are ones that their fans will love to hear after a few years of struggles.

On ESPN First Take, New York’s own Stephen A. Smith nearly caused a parade in the city by saying that Kevin Durant is a possibility for the Knicks in the summer of 2016.

“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,” Smith said on ESPN First Take in the video below.

Most of the talk about Durant in the summer of 2016 has been about a possible homecoming to the Washington Wizards, which would be following in the footsteps of what LeBron James did in the summer of 2014.

Durant will be one of the top prizes next summer, as he is the unanimous second best player in the NBA behind LeBron at this point. With Durant being such a great player, almost every team in the NBA will be interested in adding him, as he has shown that he can turn a franchise around.

In eight seasons, Durant is averaging 27.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game. With stats like that, Durant has been able to earn himself some very nice hardware, as he was the MVP in the 2013-14 season, and he has also led the NBA in scoring four years.

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Phil Jackson wasn’t able to land one of the big-name free agents this offseason, but he was able to better the team through the draft and free agency. By drafting Jerian Grant along with Kristaps Porzingis, and then signing Robin Lopez and Arron Afflalo, Jackson has begun to build the foundation of a nice supporting cast.

Having a good team in place is key to landing any big named free agents, and Durant will be no different. If Durant were to leave Oklahoma City, he would be leaving teammates like Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, and Enes Kanter who are all very good players.

With Washington in the picture for Durant as well, he would be joining a talented young core of John Wall and Bradley Beal.

Durant will likely cause a wild free agency like James did the first time he left Cleveland, as teams were doing all they could do shred salary for a chance to sign the game’s best player.

Despite a great resume, Durant does have something to prove this season, as he missed nearly all of last year with an injured foot. For a near seven-footer, foot injuries are usually a big red flag, and we’ll have to see how Durant recovers.

Even with a whole season to play, rumors are already flying about the 2016 summer, which indicates it’s going to be a wild one.

Next: Who is the greatest PG in franchise history?

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