NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant To Knicks, Kawhi Leonard To Clippers And Other Free-Agent Speculation

No one knows for sure what's going to happen in free agency, but there are plenty of rumors regarding where the NBA's top players are expected to land. The same speculation followed LeBron James throughout all of last season, so it was no surprise when he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.

What does that mean for the stars that will be available this offseason? Here are the teams that are given the best chance to sign Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving in the summer of 2019:

Kevin Durant: Favorite (New York Knicks), In Play (Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets), Long Shot (Los Angeles Lakers)

The speculation is not going away. Just about everyone seems to believe Durant is set on signing with the Knicks. The two-time NBA Finals MVP is expected to leave the Warriors in hopes of winning a championship with a team that’s not a ready-made title contender. Durant’s company is even moving to an office in New York City. Between trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Mavericks and James Dolans' recent comments, the Knicks clearly believe they are getting at least one, if not two, star free agents.

Some believe Durant could still choose the Nets over the Knicks. Brooklyn is likely headed to the playoffs, and Durant wouldn’t need another star free agent to join him to make the Nets one of the best teams in the East. The Clippers could have close to as much cap space as the Knicks, and their dream scenario involves signing both Durant and Leonard. Maybe Durant would like the idea of saving James and the Lakers, but he’s made it clear that playing with the NBA's top star is far from an ideal environment for another superstar.

Kawhi Leonard: Favorite (LA. Clippers), In Play (Toronto Raptors, L.A. Lakers)

The rumors of Leonard to the Clippers aren’t as loud as Durant to the Knicks, but it’s not very far off. Members of Los Angeles’ front office are reportedly very confident that they’ll be able to land Leonard. The Clippers haven’t been shy about their pursuit, traveling around the country to watch Leonard’s games in person. Leonard reportedly wants to play in Los Angeles, where he is from and recently bought a $13.3 million house, but there are rumors that he prefers not to play with James.

No one seems to have any kind of read on Leonard or know how much he has really enjoyed his time with the Raptors. It’s safe to assume that he likes how much the team is winning, and they have a real shot to make the 2019 NBA Finals. Maybe if the Raptors are able to give the Warriors a run for their money in June, Leonard will decide to stay up north.

Klay Thompson: Favorite (Golden State Warriors), Long Shot (L.A. Lakers)

There are no signs that Thompson will leave Golden State as a free agent. The Warriors will almost certainly offer him a max contract, guaranteeing him close $50 million more than he could get elsewhere. The shooting guard has maintained that he plans to stay with Golden State. Unless he has designs of becoming the No.1 option on another team, there really is no reason for Thompson to leave a perennial championship contender.

The only possible scenario in which Thompson would leave might be if Durant actually does decide to stay with the Warriors for a full max contract. Perhaps then Golden State wouldn't offer Thompson a max deal, forcing him to explore the market. The Lakers would love to have Thompson play alongside James. Thompson's father is a former Laker and a radio commentator for the team. Los Angeles is probably the only city that could draw the All-Star away from the Bay Area.

Kyrie Irving: Favorite (None), In Play (Boston Celtics, Knicks, Nets, Lakers)

Irving is the biggest mystery in free agency. He seemed like a lock to re-sign with Boston at the start of the season, but it’s since become clear that point guard could very well leave this summer. The Celtics can offer him the most money, and their ability to trade for Anthony Davis might make him stay. The playoffs should be a big factor, following a disappointing season that could end with the Celtics falling short of reaching the conference finals.

For years, there has been speculation that Irving would like to play for one of the New York teams. The Knicks seem like a better fit, in part because of Irving's close relationship with Durant. The Nets might be set at point guard for the future with the emergence of D'Angelo Russell. The Lakers could be an option, as well, especially since they'll be pursuing Davis and the guard has seemingly repaired his relationship with James.