New York Knicks: Never rule out Kevin Durant staying with Warriors

Author Marcus Thompson II told the New York Post why he thinks Kevin Durant spurning the New York Knicks and staying with the Golden State Warriors is possible.

All the rumors and speculation have pointed to Kevin Durant signing with the New York Knicks, including his own Golden State Warriors teammates’ thought process on a departure from a historic team.

Two championships — potentially three — and Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green would all be left behind for a run in New York or another cap friendly location like Los Angeles.

But what if Durant stays put? Sticking with what works, with all but guaranteed championships ahead seems obvious, but LeBron James ditched in Miami for a return to Cleveland in 2014. Per Marc Berman of the New York Post, author Marcus Thompson II made the case that staying in Oakland is still in the cards:

"“I feel stronger about the Bay Area than at the time,’’ said Thompson, who has covered northern California sports since 1999. “It underscores the nature of him. He’s trying to figure it out. At the end of the day, he has to sit down in front of people so they can paint the picture of the Knicks. I do feel like the picture the Warriors will paint is a pretty good one.”"

In December, Thompson will release the book, KD: Kevin Durant’s Relentless Pursuit to Be The Greatest.

Among what else Thompson told Berman that could influence the decision, Durant handling New York itself could pose an issue, after the media sparring that transpired throughout the regular season, focusing on this summer’s free agency:

"“What he’s been through in his life, he thinks he can handle anything,’’ Thompson said. “But I do wonder if he is concerned about New York as a good fit for that. But those are minor parts. The bigger story is what is at play. In exchange for media criticism, more media interaction and media issues, he could get the final story that perfectly fits his legacy in the grand scheme and it could be worth it. If he went to New York it wouldn’t be about anything small. It will be about the big picture, the end of a story he started at [the age of] 9.’’"

Thompson’s words paint an unflattering picture for anyone who thinks Durant to New York is guaranteed. Basically, nothing is set until he puts pen to paper. The same for Kyrie Irving or any other top name they pursue.

The Knicks represent an unknown, though, or a greater risk. While most of their roster will hit free agency, they went 17-65 and have not made the postseason since 2013. Durant is obviously talented enough to push a team to the playoffs, but he has missed it just once since the 2009-10 campaign.

Will Durant ultimately put this team on his back, 12 years into a storied career? His current situation offers three All-Stars — four if DeMarcus Cousins ever returns to pre-injury form — and the easiest situation available to consistently win, as seen since 2016.

Leading his own team and changing the narrative may be enough, but the pressure will follow to win and transform the Knicks into a team not seen since the ’90s. He won’t find that by staying in Golden State with those players while moving into a brand-new arena in the Bay Area.

The free agent moratorium ends on July 6, which opens the window for Durant to make his decision. He also has a player option for 2019-20 with the Warriors, but opting for a more lucrative deal is plausible; but that date is approaching, and the answers to this everlasting speculation will finally arrive.