New York Knicks president Phil Jackson's hiring of longtime Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Brian Keefe could indicate the team plans to pursue Thunder star Kevin Durant as a free agent in 2016. Keefe, who reportedly has a close relationship with Durant, would likely help any pitch the Knicks make to Durant in free agency.
Jackson hired Keefe as an assistant to first-year head coach Derek Fisher. While the hiring brings added experience to Fisher's staff, it may also have an ulterior motive: to help lure Durant to the Big Apple in 2016.
Per the New York Post:
"Durant, a free agent in 2016, is very close to Keefe, according to an NBA source. Keefe had been with Oklahoma City for seven seasons - the first two as developmental coach - before being promoted to assistant. The hire, unofficially made in mid-July, can't hurt the Knicks' pitch for Durant if they still have cap space to spend that summer.
"'He's Durant's guy,' the league source said."
Pairing Durant with Knicks star Carmelo Anthony would likely work, given the differences in their games and Durant's willingness to be a facilitator for his teammates. Anthony also has proven he can play the 4-spot.
Durant hasn't given any indication about his plans for 2016. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Durant can make the most money by becoming a free agent and signing a new contract.
The fact he hasn't committed to returning to Oklahoma City has some fans wondering if he will jump ship. Durant's hometown team, the Washington Wizards, is believed to be the most likely landing spot if he declines to re-sign with the Thunder.
The Knicks were also mentioned.
"Obviously the New York Knicks would be in the mix and what have you," ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith said during an interview on July 15, via the Washington Post. "But there are folks that I've spoken to that are relatively close to Kevin Durant that tell me if he were to decide to leave Oklahoma City, it would be for the nation's capital. That's the kind of dude he is. That's a place that he would consider.
"I certainly don't want to sit here as a reporter and insider and try to give indications that he's planning on leaving Oklahoma City. I don't know that to be sure. I don't know that to be the case. But I was told that if there is a team that would be strongly considered, it is the Washington Wizards, and him returning home."
