Kevin Durant, SF, Golden State Warriors
If Carmelo truly is a goner, the Knicks would ideally like to replace him with another superstar who can keep this team moving in the right direction. While pickings will be slim when 2017 NBA free agency gets under way, there could theoretically be some legitimate options available.
One of those would be Kevin Durant, one of the NBA’s top talents right now. While he’s currently enjoying his serious title run with the Warriors, there’s at least a slim chance he looks for opportunities elsewhere this offseason–especially if he’s already marked “win a title” off his to-do list.
I mean, he did it last year. Most folks figured he’d return to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and instead he decided to go all in on winning a ring with Golden State. Assuming that happens, the Knicks need to pitch him the possibly of playing in the biggest market in the US. It could certainly do a lot for his brand, and it’s not like the Knicks don’t have some building blocks.
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Especially if Carmelo is gone, New York should be able to afford signing Durant. In this dream scenario, though, money doesn’t matter. All that matters is the Knicks will likely need a new face of the franchise soon, and KD fits the bill. He’d help bring out the best in Kristaps Porzingis and whoever is signed to take over at point guard.