Knicks Will Reportedly Chase Kawhi Leonard 'Aggressively' Following KD Injury
By Daniel Lubofsky
The New York Knicks have not been shy regarding their intended pursuit of big-name free agents this coming summer.
Their No. 1 target all season long was Kevin Durant, having been linked to the reigning two-time Finals MVP by a number of different media outlets. It was a "sure thing," we were told...until fate intervened.
? The Knicks could still offer Kevin Durant a deal if he opts out
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 11, 2019
? Chasing Kawhi Leonard suddenly becomes more important
? Some in the Knicks organization are wary of dealing for Anthony Davis due to problems from Carmelo Anthony trade@IanBegley with the latest: pic.twitter.com/tklSGQe18B
With KD's health status now up in the air following an injury suffered in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, it seems New York may slightly pivot and aggressively pursue Kawhi Leonard, according to SNY's Ian Begley.
Throughout the entirety of the 2018-19 season, it's been presumed that Kawhi will either re-sign with the Toronto Raptors or head west and likely join the Los Angeles Clippers.
Knicks are expected to push hard for Kawhi Leonard on June 30, per @StevePopper
— Knicks Film School (@KnickFilmSchool) June 6, 2019
“There is a contingent in the Knicks front office that is enamored not just with Leonard’s two-way talents...but the fact that he would bring little drama with him.”https://t.co/LxBUwvI13O
The Knicks can't provide the sunny beaches of Southern California, but they'll be able to offer Leonard a max contract with enough money left over to pair him with another All-Star player (or two).
The three-time All-Star is currently in the midst of a heated NBA Finals with the Golden State Warriors, where his Raptors currently sit up 3-2 heading into Game 6. He'll have plenty of time for worrying about his next destination once the confetti falls, in either direction.