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Knicks Rumors: Free agent target Kyrie Irving will consider Nets

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 21: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 21, 2017 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Celtics 102-93. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 21: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 21, 2017 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Celtics 102-93. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks have long been rumored to impending free agent Kyrie Irving, but the other New York City team might make a run at him.

While the Kevin Durant-to-the-New York Knicks hoopla has carried since the fall, the Kyrie Irving rumors and speculation have followed. It started with a commitment to the Boston Celtics in the preseason, until future public comments said otherwise.

It was reportedly a waiting game for which one of Durant or Irving were to sign with the Knicks first. Maybe that remains the case, but there is a threat from the other New York basketball team.

Per Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, Irving “will strongly consider” the Brooklyn Nets in free agency. Bondy was also told by one person, the 2016 NBA champion actually prefers the Nets over the Knicks.

If so, that throws an interesting wrinkle into the Knicks’ offseason plans, as Bondy mentioned the rumors of Durant only signing if another proven star accompanies him. Irving has long been that speculated player.

There are alternatives if New York misses on Irving, and not just point guard free agents. Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard and Kemba Walker will all hit the open market. Each may require a max contract, but if someone willingly aligns with Durant, it can make this superstar duo in the Big Apple realistic.

Plus, this follows the New York Post report of general manager Scott Perry sending scouts to watch second-tier free agents currently in the postseason, including Tobias Harris and Khris Middleton.

As for the Nets, they have room for one max player. Irving signing there gives him his own team, without the battle for the basketball in Boston, although the Celtics still, arguably, provide his best destination.

The Nets also have a decision to make on D’Angelo Russell, their budding star of a point guard. He had a career year in 2018-19 and will have a big contract ahead as a restricted free agent. The position-less NBA could make Russell and Irving work, but both are ball-dominant players.

The Knicks seemingly have competition for Irving, however. Maybe that was already apparent, given what Boston can offer. Other teams have max salary space, as the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers may add to their respective cores.

Next. 2019 NBA Mock Draft as the lottery nears. dark

Nothing can happen until July, but the path of talk before free agency arrives should create anticipation and drama for one of the NBA’s most star-focused summers ever.