NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving Might Not View Knicks As Top Option In 2019 Free Agency

New York Knicks’ fans that are already planning on buying Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving jerseys might want to hold off on doing so just yet. Despite all the rumors that indicate the Knicks have a very good chance of landing at least one—if not both—of the superstars this summer, the organization could very well strike out in free agency.

FOX Sports’ Chris Broussard said Wednesday that Durant and Irving might not be leaning toward signing with the Knicks after all. This comes a day after ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith noted that the Brooklyn Nets might be a more desirable option if the star players are hellbent on playing in the Big Apple.

Rumors that Durant might sign with the Knicks have been brewing for months. When New York created room for a second max salary slot by trading Kristaps Porzingis and others to the Dallas Mavericks, it ignited speculation that Durant and Irving could team up together with the Knicks.

Durant has refused to commit to staying with the Golden State Warriors beyond this season. Irving has done the same in terms of his future with the Boston Celtics.

The Knicks have designs on acquiring both players, but they’ll have plenty of competition in the summer.

Brooklyn should have room to sign one player to a max contract, and they could conceivably find a trade that would open another max slot. While the Knicks have the NBA’s worst record, the Nets are a .500 team that’s likely headed to the playoffs.

If Durant can’t find another star that wants to team up with him, joining the Nets might be his best option to be on a team that can compete in the near future. If Durant decides to stay in Golden State or sign with one of the Los Angeles teams, the Knicks might seem like a less attractive option for Irving.

Most of this speculation, of course, is premature. The way the postseason and the draft lottery play out will likely have a major effect on what free agents like Durant, Irving and others decide to do this offseason.

The Nets are currently on the hook for just over $54 million in salary next season, putting them well below the projected $109 million salary cap. That figure does not include All-Star point guard D’Angelo Russell, who is set to become a restricted free agent and Brooklyn will most likely try to re-sign.

The Knicks are committed to paying just $36 million in salary for the 2019-2020 season.