Sports: Would Durant play in New York?
With Knicks in town, Durant asked if he’s eyeing New York for free agency
OAKLAND >> Kevin Durant knew the questions were coming, even before he sat in the interview chair. After all, the questions have remained the topic of conversation throughout this.
Presuming that he opts out of his $31-million player option, where will Durant sign as a free agent next summer? That inquiry had a new twist, given that the Warriors were playing host to the New York Knicks (10-30) at Oracle Arena. Those around NBA circles often peg the Knicks as one of Durant’s likely freeagent destinations.
“I have no clue where that stuff comes from. I just focus on playing ball every single day,” Durant said Tuesday morning. “I can’t control what people say about me, about my future or what I should do. I just try to come to work every single day. Life will figure itself out for me.”
There are reasons Durant is so often linked to the Knicks.
His business manager, Rich Kleiman, grew up a Knicks fan. Durant has been vocally supportive of Knicks coach David Fizdale. Durant has been complimentary of the Knicks’ young players, describing center Kristaps Porzingis as a “unicorn” and praising Knicks
rookie forward Kevin Knox. Durant countered, “I have connections everywhere in the United States.”
And then there is the billboard outside Madison Square Garden that features Durant’s likeness and asks: “Can you make NY Sports Great again?” Durant and Porzingis are wearing Knicks-colored jer- seys and holding the NBA championship trophy.
After leading the War- riors to a 128-100 victory over the Knicks on Oct. 26 at Madison Square Garden with 41 points, Durant observed the Knicks “were a young team that’s starting to figure it out” and is “giving their all to their coach.”
Since then? Durant said he hasn’t paid attention to the Knicks.
“I’m so focused on us the last couple of months,” Durant said. “You see scores, but you can’t really see the pattern on how teams are playing.”
Still, Durant joked he should have copyright royalties for originally calling Porzingis a “unicorn.” Durant also said that Knox has a “bright future.”
“He’s one of the guys having a good year,” Durant said of Knox. “He was injured at the start of the season. He’s coming back. (Fizdale) put him in the starting lineup and he’s playing some great minutes. He’s really starting to get a feel for the game. He has a bright future.”
Would Durant choose to become the Knicks savior? He’d prefer another question.
“I wish it was the other way where it was totally about the game, but I get it. Our league has grown so much and there’s more and more popularity around the league,” Durant said. “The sexy thing is what happens in the summer more than what happens in the season.
Playoffs and free agency are more of the big things that go on in our league. I get it. But for me personally, I have to focus on playing the game.”
From the beginning of this season, Durant said he would not address his impending free agency. He could re-sign with the Warriors for up to five years for $221 million. He could agree to another one-plusone deal to stay with the Warriors for their first season at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Or Durant could sign elsewhere, with either a young team or one with cap space reserved for him and other stars.
Although Durant and Draymond Green seem to have moved on from their Nov. 12 clash, the impact that incident will have on Durant’s decision remains a topic of great intrigue.
Durant has won two NBA titles and two Finals MVPs since joining the Warriors as a free agent in 2016, partly because of his talent and partly because he has adjusted his game to fit in with All-Stars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Green. But this season, the Warriors have had varying degrees of success in maximizing Curry and Durant without the detriment of the other.
If Durant is at all upset with his situation, it was not evident Tuesday. He was touting the advantage of having four healthy AllStars and experimenting with different lineup combinations. He seemed content with his current role, which has resulted in 28.5 points per game on 50.5 percent shooting and 6.2 assists — all three career highs.
“I just try to do what’s required on each possession,” Durant said.
During the 10-minute interview, Durant remained insightful and friendly. Although he offered no hint about his future plans, he did not become defensive or annoyed with the questions.
“If you guys ask for me, I got to come talk. If I don’t, I’ll get fined,” Durant said. “So I try to be as honest as I can about the questions and give you what you need for your job, but not say anything out of ...”
Durant trailed off and then walked up from the interview chair.
“I’m just leaving,” Durant said. And, to be clear, he meant he was leaving the interview, not the Warriors.