Knicks Expressing 'Caution' On Signing Kevin Durant, Want To See Medical Reports
Channel: Sports today today
Date: 2019-06-26

Report Knicks Expressing Caution On Signing Kevin Durant, Want To See Medical Reports
Kevin Durant free agency report: Warriors star declines $31.5M player option, set to become unrestricted free agent


The Knicks have expressed "caution" on signing Kevin Durant in free agency and want to see his medical reports after he had surgery for a torn Achilles', according to ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

"The New York Knicks, meaning specifically Mr. Dolan, expressed a bit of caution, or dare I say reluctance, to offer Kevin Durant the max," Smith said Wednesday on ESPN's 'First Take. "....He wants to see the medical report, he wants to see the New York Knicks go through that with a fine-tooth comb."

Durant, who had surgery June 12 in a New York City hospital after getting injured in the NBA Finals, will officially enter free agency after declining his $31.5 million player option, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Kevin Durant will officially become an unrestricted free agent on June 30.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Durant has opted out of his 2019-20 deal with the Golden State Warriors to become a free agent. The option was worth $31.5 million for the upcoming season. The report mentions that Durant is currently in New York with his business partner, Rich Kleiman, evaluating his free agency options.
The two-time NBA champion suffered an Achilles injury during Game 5 of the NBA Finals that will likely sideline him for the entirety of the upcoming season.

Despite the career-altering injury, Durant will have many options entering the free agency period. He could still re-sign with the Warriors for the max for five years and $221 million. He can also sign a max-level deal with teams such as the New York Knicks and  Brooklyn Nets while teaming up with Kyrie Irving, though teams outside of the Warriors can only offer him as high as four years.

At this point, it's anyone's guess where Durant is leaning to sign when free agency begins on Sunday. He could decide to re-up with the Warriors where he'll have the opportunity to continue to win titles with an established franchise. He could also very well leave Golden State for the opportunity of leading his own franchise -- such as the Nets or Knicks -- to a championship to add another layer to his legacy.

All we know for certain is that despite the fact that he'll be 32 years old by the time he returns to play on the basketball court, Durant remains one of the top two free agents available this offseason.