VIDEO: Stephen A. Smith Says Insiders Think KD and Kyrie to the Knicks is a 'Foregone Conclusion'

Kyrie Irving's free agency speculation got feverish in earnest as soon as he and the Celtics were bounced out of the Eastern Conference semifinals by the Bucks. There has been recent reporting that he is interested in reuniting with LeBron James in LA, but Stephen A. Smith has shut down that notion. on ESPN's "First Take," Smith claimed that his insider sources are telling him that the Irving-Kevin Durant team-up with the New York Knicks is a "forgone conclusion".

Irving and KD's potential pairing at Madison Square Garden has been theorized for much of the season. The two are very close friends, and have both dealt with drama within their teams. With both of them set to hit the market this offseason, it makes a lot of sense for them to team up.

It's worth noting that Stephen A. isn't just guessing; he sounds pretty confident with the information he's getting from his sources. His sources haven't always been the most reliable over the years, however, as Smith has pushed out incorrect information plenty of times before. He's currently leaving just a little room for error by putting his latest claim at 95% probability.

Smith isn't alone in his prediction, of course, as many believe that Kyrie and Durant will inevitably team up on the Knicks. However, logically looking at the scenario presents plenty of other options. Teams such as the Clippers can offer stronger rosters than the Knicks, while the Warriors and Celtics have promising situations that are difficult to leave.

Irving and Durant can be persuaded, but it looks like Stephen A. is dying on the hill of the two of them signing with the Knicks.

If and when that doesn't occur, hopefully Max Kellerman has some serious jabs lined up.