Kevin Durant Rumors: New York Knicks Will Still Offer Golden State Warriors' Star A Max Contract

Kevin Durant’s ruptured Achilles has altered the landscape of what’s supposed to be a wild offseason. It hasn’t, however, changed the New York Knicks’ pursuit of the two-time NBA Finals MVP.

Even though Durant will probably miss the entire 2019-2020 NBA season, the Knicks will almost certainly offer him a max contract. According to multiple reports, New York is expected to present Durant with a four-year deal worth more than $160 million.

"There's nothing more that I can guarantee you than the Knicks pursuing Kevin Durant. This is not just my opinion, I have valid sources I've talked to in the last 12 hours that say nothing has changed. They kept tabs on the surgery and thought it was successful." — @criscarter80 pic.twitter.com/lZeDPOfn2y
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) June 13, 2019

"In the aftermath of the injury, I spoke to execs from half a dozen teams and asked them if this would stop them from offering Kevin Durant a max contract, and the answer was no." —@SIChrisMannix pic.twitter.com/EzEuhtrNUs
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) June 12, 2019

From earlier: Some in the Knicks organization would consider signing Kevin Durant even if his Achilles injury forced him to miss significant time, per sources: https://t.co/ZfrJnkmxY8
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 12, 2019

The Knicks have been considered the favorites to sign Durant this summer. The Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers have also been viewed as possible destinations for Durant. Those teams remain likely to offer Durant a max deal, as well.

All three teams should be able to fit two max players under the salary cap for next season. They’ve been aiming to sign two superstars this summer, and that remains their goal.

The Golden State Warriors have been hoping to re-sign Durant. The forward can opt into the final year of his contract, which would pay him a salary of $31.5 million, though he’s much more likely to hit free agency and pursue a long-term contract.

Golden State can offer Durant more money than anyone. A full max contract from the Warriors would pay Durant more than $220 million over five years.

The Warriors could offer both Durant and Klay Thompson max contracts in July.

Basketball