The landscape of the NBA changed forever during the 2019 offseason. Kevin Durant, coming off a devastating Achilles injury that kept the Golden State Warriors from three-peating as NBA Champions, was hitting free agency.
He was going to be sidelined for the 2019-20 campaign, but his decision would have a lasting impact on the league. After three seasons with the Warriors, he opted for a chance and departed in free agency.
Rumors swirled for months that Durant could head to the New York Knicks. For the first time in a long time, New York was in a position to be able to afford a max player such as Durant and have enough money for him to pick a running mate as well.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks Updates
But, it didn’t come to pass. The Knicks whiffed on Durant, as he opted to sign with their crosstown rivals, the Brooklyn Nets. Kyrie Irving joined him, and eventually, James Harden too, to create the newest Big 3.
It was another blow to Knicks fans, who are also mentioned as a potential landing spot for superstars but never have deals completed. However, if Durant had succumbed to some peer pressure, the landscape of the NBA would have been changed forever.
During a recent episode of Boardroom Cover Story, Durant admitted that many people in his corner were pushing for him to go to the Knicks. His agent, Rich Kleiman, his father and aunt all wanted him to end up in orange and blue.
“You definitely did, you definitely did, more than anything,” Durant said. “… My dad, you, love the Knicks,” Durant continued. “My aunt loves the Knicks.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks Updates
It had to be painful for them to see Durant end up in Brooklyn, where nothing went according to plan. The Big 3 era with Durant, Irving and Harden was one of the most disappointing the NBA has ever seen as the trio just could not stay on the court together. Whether it was injuries or off-the-court issues, Brooklyn never found the level of success they were hoping for.
That isn’t to say things would have worked out better with the Knicks, who had been one of the worst teams in the NBA for years before Durant hit free agency. His decision to spurn them is part of how they got on the path they are now as burgeoning contenders in the Eastern Conference.
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