NBA trade rumors 2016: New York Knicks pushing for Kevin Durant?

Kevin DurantReuters

With the off-season closing in and many signed players becoming free agents, rumors of trades are already up online. Speculations suggest that the New York Knicks have their eyes on Kevin Durant.

Durant is coming in from a seventh, do-or-die loss to the Golden State Warriors for the Western Conference Finals. Aside from having nothing to do in the offseason, Durant will also become an unrestricted free agent. This gives him options to either continue playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder or sign up with another team.

Although it seems to be a long shot, the New York Knicks could be interested to take up the services of the OKC Thunder scorer. With Phil Jackson crushing rumors that the team will do away with its leading scorers, Durant playing with the Knicks will pair him up with both Carmelo Anthony and Kristap Porzingis.

The Knicks seem to be rolling out some major changes for the upcoming season, so signing up Durant is a certain possibility. The team has already confirmed that a new coach, Jeff Hornacek, is also onboard. In addition, it is said that the old playbook is also out the window, and a playstyle very different from the standard triangle offense is already slowly taking shape.

While the New York Knicks haven't officially confirmed its interest in the OKC Thunder scorer, the current interest in Durant is certainly understandable, and most of the teams may already be scouting for a chance to work with him. The 27-year-old veteran Durant already has some impressive numbers on the hardcourt, along with several scoring titles, an MVP and numerous All-Star appearances. He has also starred on the NBA First Team five times.

However, the New York Knicks or any other team will have to contend with the fact that should Durant continue with the Thunder, a new contract will net him $228 million in six years.