Until Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving make a decision on their basketball futures, their every move will be analyzed.
Both the Golden State Warriors forward and the Boston Celtics star are set to hit the free-agent market this summer, and both have neglected to commit to re-sign with their respective teams, leading to speculation and rumors that both could be on their way out the door.
It's well known that Durant and Irving are close friends, and that friendship has led many to wonder if the two could join forces this summer, with the New York Knicks being seen as the team that could sign both stars this offseason.
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The Knicks have been a train wreck for most of this century, but ESPN's Brian Windhorst sees a scenario in which the Knicks sign both Durant and Irving this offseason and trade for Anthony Davis.
While a trade for Davis seems like a pipe dream for the Knicks unless they win the NBA Draft Lottery and trade the No. 1 overall pick, the possibility of Durant and Irving joining forces certainly is in the realm of possibility, as the two stars talk almost every day, Windhorst reported on "The Hoop Collective" podcast.
"Let's say the Knicks don't get No. 1. Let's say the Knicks get No. 2 or No. 3," Windhorst said. "Think about a scenario where, in the same offseason, the Knicks could get Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving because I think it's in play. I think it's hard to trade Zion [Williamson] even for Anthony Davis because Anthony Davis only has a one-year commitment.
"But let's say they do get KD. Let's say that KD and [Irving], and by the way, I’ve had someone reputable this week tell me their relationship is as strong as ever, that Durant and Kyrie talk every day and, if not, text every day.”
Golden State Warriors
Now, is the fact that two friends talk news? No. But it's hard to see the two close friends communicating every day without discussing their basketball future at least a few times, right?
Both Durant and Irving have been combative this season, and it seems like both could be leaning toward leaving their respective situations in the Bay Area and Boston.
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As the NBA playoffs near, talk surrounding Durant and Irving only will intensify.
If the two stars change addresses and join forces, the very landscape of the NBA will be altered overnight. The Warriors and the Celtics would be knocked down a peg, and the Knicks would be elevated from Eastern Conference cellar dwellers to potential NBA Finals contenders.
While it's hard to see Durant or Irving leaving their current teams for the circus known as the Knicks, the potential to play together might be too great of an opportunity for them to pass up.