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Report: Knicks Have Legitimate Shot At Signing Kevin Durant In 2016

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Knicks are 9-37, tied with the 76ers for the worst record in the Eastern Conference.

There has to be light at the end of the tunnel, right?

Maybe the top overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft? Maybe the signing of a free agent who can turn the franchise around?

Both scenarios are distinct possibilities.

According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, the Knicks will have a legitimate shot at signing Thunder small forward Kevin Durant when he becomes a free agent following the 2015-16 season.

"No question about it," a person close to the 2014 NBA MVP told Isola. "Kevin loves Carmelo (Anthony). It could work in New York. But never rule out the Thunder."

It's been a trying season for Durant. The 26-year-old has missed 25 of 46 games, including Wednesday night's loss to the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. He was inactive to start the season after undergoing foot surgery.

According to Isola, the five-time All-Star is close with Knicks head coach Derek Fisher -- his former teammate -- and he is fond of general manager Steve Mills and assistant general manager Allan Houston.

Phil Jackson, who has been working feverishly to dump bad contracts and acquire cap space, will most certainly have competition for Durant's services when he hits the open market.

Durant is averaging 25.6 points, 4.1 assists and 6.7 rebounds in 33.1 minutes per game for Oklahoma City.

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