The New York Knicks could be fine even if they don't get to sign Kevin Durant this offseason, as they have another superstar target.
While this seems like an outlandish claim, there are many pundits who could see it happening, and it might even affect Kevin Durant's decision in the coming week.
This is the situation presented in the Mike and Mike podcast , Mike Greenberg said there is "no question" that Westbrook would be leaving OKC when he hits free agency next season.
Also, since Kevin Durant and Westbrook have a good relationship, Greenberg supposes that Durant knows this, and since if the allegation that Durant does not want to go through free agency again stands, he may want to leave OKC now.
Greenberg makes his claim based on Westbrook's fashion sense, among other things. He has a loud personality that demands the spotlight and thrives with attention, quite a contrast from Kevin Durant. Westbrook is described as a "big city guy" and with that, he could probably go to LA or New York, even Miami.
"Oklahoma is a lovely place, but it's not for everybody," Greenberg said, as he argues that it's rare for an international superstar, even one from Oklahoma, to reside in OKC.
Before these statements are dismissed, no less than Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical at Yahoo Sports also wrote that the New York Knicks have a chance to acquire Westbrook as early as February.
"The Knicks have a real chance to sell Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook in 2017 - New York and Porzingis have his attention, yes - and Jackson ought to start constructing an elite coaching staff to begin that process with Westbrook and with free agents beyond him."
While it stands to reason that the Knicks already traded for Derrick Rose, the former Chicago Bulls MVP will become a free agent in 2017 just like Westbrook. The Knicks could be choosing between Westbrook and Rose if such a situation arises.
The coming season could be a litmus test for the Knicks, with their new coach Jeff Hornacek and the addition of Rose. Westbrook can see how well the Knicks would handle a star point guard and how it would fit with Carmelo Anthony and Porzingis.
This is speculation that's looking fast forward but if Greenberg's assumption holds true, it could definitely affect Durant's decision.