Report: Kevin Durant Considering Meeting With Knicks
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Kevin Durant is slated to hear pitches from six teams, and while the Knicks are not in that number, they don't appear to be out of the sweepstakes for the top NBA free agent.
USA Today reported that the Knicks' acquisition of former MVP point guard Derrick Rose last week has put New York on Durant's radar. Meanwhile, ESPN reported that Durant is considering meeting with the Knicks, but nothing has been scheduled.
So far, the seven-time All-Star from the Oklahoma City Thunder has reportedly agreed to have sit-downs with the Thunder, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs. Noticeably missing from the list is Durant's hometown team, the Washington Wizards, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Durant is planning to leave on a publicity tour to Asia on July 9 and is expected to make his decision before then, Yahoo's The Vertical reported.
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New York is projected to have more than $30 million to spend under the salary cap this summer.
Oklahoma City can offer Durant the best deal -- a five-year contract starting at $25 million per season with 7.5 percent in annual increases. Other teams can offer him a four-year deal for $25 million annually, but with only 4.5 percent raises.
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League sources told ESPN last month that Durant's admiration of power forward Kristaps Porzingis, who he called a "unicorn" last season because of his rare combination of skills, and his friendship with Carmelo Anthony could factor into Durant's view of the Knicks.
Durant, 27, was voted MVP following the 2013-14 season. This past season, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.
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