Charles Oakley Posts Photo With Kevin Durant in NYC on Instagram and Fuels Free Agency Buzz

NBA free agency entered the next phase of insanity once Kevin Durant declined his $31.5 million player option with the Golden State Warriors. As a result of this decision, Durant is now an unrestricted free agent.

The two-time NBA Finals MVP has been linked to the New York Knicks, among other teams. The long-suffering fans in blue and orange have been yearning for the day a huge NBA superstar willingly joins the team again.

Knicks legend Charles Oakley fanned the flames of the free agency drama by posting a photo of himself and Durant on his personal Instagram on Wednesday night.

Granted, it looks like an old photo, considering Durant wouldn't be wearing a sweat suit in New York City, where it's currently 80-plus degrees. Regardless, to say that Knicks fans lost their minds is a massive understatement.

"Forget Dolan." The common theme in various tweets.

The other common theme? Pure panic.

While some were optimistic, others were pessimistic that Oakley would convince Durant to sign with the Knicks, given the legend's history with Dolan. That was when Brooklyn Nets fans entered the fray.

Durant is currently in New York City with agent Rich Kleiman as they explore his free agency options. Despite the fact that he'll miss all of next season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, teams such as the Knicks, Nets, and Los Angeles Clippers are expected to make serious run at him once the league's negotiating window opens up on June 30.

In the meantime, there will be plenty of sleepless nights for Knicks fans until they get the news they want.