New York Knicks: Ranking the top 2019 free agents targets

TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 10: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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2. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant appeared to be all but contractually signed to the New York Knicks from November to May, despite making the NBA Finals with the Golden State Warriors for the third consecutive year with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.

This was the player to take the Knicks to their greatest place in two decades, until Durant ruptured his Achilles after returning too early from a strained calf in the NBA Finals. It likely takes him out for all of the 2019-20 season.

It might not stop the Knicks from giving Durant a four-year max contract, which basically becomes three seasons with the time he will miss. Still, that is a 32 year old returning from a devastating injury in October 2020, leaving even more doubt than DeMarcus Cousins’ ailment.

If Durant can resemble the player who dominated the NBA for a decade, he will take the Knicks over the top. Maybe another star joins him and makes New York basketball that much more interesting and championship-realistic.

There are too many ifs with Durant and the Knicks, no matter how likely this pairing is. It all depends on his return from an injury that hampered players before him, and that does not include potentially joining the Clippers, Nets or Warriors as alternatives.