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New York Knicks: Kevin Durant explains why free agents avoid NYK

By Maxwell Ogden

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 15: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors stands on the court during their game against the New York Knicks at ORACLE Arena on December 15, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 15: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors stands on the court during their game against the New York Knicks at ORACLE Arena on December 15, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors superstar and former New York Knicks free agency target Kevin Durant made it clear why he didn’t consider NYK: James Dolan.

The New York Knicks have gone from being one of the most respected organizations in professional sports to being the laughing stock of the NBA. Since the streak of 14 consecutive postseason appearances ended in 2002, New York has recorded a grand total of three winning seasons.

Golden State Warriors superstar and defending Finals MVP Kevin Durant has the answer to why the Knicks have become such a flawed organization.

When Durant became a free agent in 2016, all 30 NBA organizations tried their hand at acquiring his services. Some put forth a stronger effort than others, but one of the 30 teams that expressed interest in Durant was New York.

That interest didn’t prove mutual.

During an appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Durant explained why it is that free agents often steer clear of the Knicks.

"“Everything starts at the top. You got bad leadership at the top, it’s just going to trickle down to everybody else. So once you get the bad leader out, then…It’s so much separation between your front office and your players…When a GM wants to make a decision, he’s gotta to talk to the owner and he’s nowhere to be found and he don’t care, then you kind of stuck and that causes tension.”"

With former team president Phil Jackson out, Durant appears to be pointing the finger at embattled owner James Dolan.

Since Dolan took over as owner, New York has drafted quite well. Despite not having a Top 3 pick in any NBA Draft since 1985, the Knicks have selected the likes of Trevor Ariza, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Tim Hardaway Jr., David Lee, and Kristaps Porzingis since 2004 alone.

For as well as New York has drafted, however, it’s shown a blatant disregard of the value that the NBA Draft possesses.

Between trading draft picks as if they’re meaningless pieces and handing out massive contracts to debatably deserving free agents, a vast majority of Dolan’s general managers have had questionable agendas.

For as damaging as the personnel decisions have been, however, Durant’s point touches on something greater. New York’s dysfunction has often started with front offices that consist of polarizing general managers and an owner who walks a dangerous line.

Dolan’s reputation states that he’s either undermining his executives or distancing himself to the point of being difficult to reach.

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In the eyes of NBA superstar Kevin Durant, that reputation is why free agents are hesitant to join the New York Knicks.