The biggest question in free agency remains to be Kevin Durant's destination.
With the recent declaration by LeBron James that he will stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers, no one seemed to doubt him this time. While there is a point that he could leave Cleveland because he has given them the coveted title, it won't be this season-not without attempting to defend the crown at least once.
There is still a week until July 1, when free agency officially starts. Also, Durant is not beholden to any deadline, except our own collective tension. There is still time for him to consider all possible options-but does that include the Knicks?
According to Frank Isola of NY Daily News, Knicks' President for Basketball Operations Phil Jackson reiterated the team's intention to pursue Durant in the conversation with Derrick Rose.
"According to a source, Jackson told Rose of his plan to pursue Durant starting on July 1st. The difference now, however, is that the Knicks are not only selling Durant on Madison Square Garden and Madison Avenue, but also a roster that features a triangle we can all understand; Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis and Rose, who turns 28 in October," Isola wrote.
Five years ago, Rose and Anthony on the same team would've brought a title. It was also possible two years ago when Carmelo Anthony was a free agent. Joining a team with Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah along with Rose could have made the East the venue for a fierce rivalry. Instead, the Cavs are now NBA champions and the Bulls are in the lottery.
Is it already too late to try it again-this time with a 7-3 rookie sensation? That is the question that Durant should explore. According to Ian Begley of ESPN, the Knicks just took a step towards their goal.
"People familiar with Durant's thinking told ESPN.com last month that the Knicks would need to upgrade their backcourt to be considered in free agency. They accomplished that on Wednesday in trading for Rose," Begley wrote.
Durant and his agent have not scheduled any meeting with any team, but the Knicks could get their chance and Phil Jackson has done what he can to make sure it counts.
It's still a long shot but Durant should consider the Knicks-choosing them is another matter.