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NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant Could Join The New York Knicks Thanks To Carmelo Anthony

By Ernie Howell
Published on: 08:33 PST, Jun 27, 2016

If NBA rumors come to fruition, New York Knicks fans can thank Carmelo Anthony for luring Kevin Durant away from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The latest rumors come from an ESPN report on the 2016 US Olympic basketball squad, a team that both Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony will play for this summer. In the article, Carmelo Anthony told a reporter that he was attempting to recruit Kevin Durant to play with him on the New York Knicks squad for the 2016-2017 season.

“I’m with KD now; he’s right downstairs. We’ve been together. We’ve been talking… You know, for me, it’s more just about just laying it all out for him, giving him the real.”

The meeting is especially important for the New York Knicks because rumors have suggested only six NBA franchises have secured a meeting with Kevin Durant, who is an unrestricted free agent this summer. Currently, the New York Knicks are not considered to be one of the six franchises, meaning Carmelo Anthony may be the team’s best chance of luring the superstar away from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Carmelo Anthony understands the role that he’s playing for the New York Knicks right now, noting the significance of his and Kevin Durant’s time together. “I do consider myself part of the Knicks, so that meeting has already taken place,” Carmelo Anthony said.

While being optimistic about the possibility of teaming with Kevin Durant for the New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony also realized he could provide a unique perspective for the Oklahoma City Thunder star. In the end, Carmelo Anthony said he knew his friend would make the right call about what team Kevin Durant should play for next season.

“Being in that situation before and knowing how much he has to think about? and what he has go through, him not wanting to leave Oklahoma ?[after] all the time that he spent there, ?I felt the same way when I was in Denver, spending seven and a half years there and then to have to make a decision?. But you leave it up to him. He’s going to make the best decision for him. I think that’s the most important thing?.”

Teaming up with Carmelo Anthony for the New York Knicks next season may not be enough to lure Kevin Durant out of Oklahoma City, however. Due to the coming rise in the salary cap this and next season, Kevin Durant could net in excess of $50 million more by signing with the Thunder than any other team could offer.

Rumors had suggested that Kevin Durant could be targeted by as many as 10 NBA franchises during his free agency. Among the teams rumors suggest will not earn a meeting with the perennial all-star are the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers. His hometown Washington Wizards have admitted they are no longer in contention to secure Kevin Durant, but the Los Angeles Lakers are still hopeful to sit down with the power forward to discuss how he can be a part of a quick turnaround for the storied franchise.

Prior to the news about the Kevin Durant meeting with Carmelo Anthony, rumors had suggested the New York Knicks had placed Joakim Noah atop their free agency wish list, according to the Inquisitr. The reason for the New York Knicks to go after the center was to reunite him with the newly-acquired Derrick Rose.

Outside of the New York Knicks rumors, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant will team up again for the 2016 US Olympic basketball squad. Ten players with no Olympic experience will 2012 Olympic returnees Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant as the squad attempts to bring home a third straight gold medal in the sport.

Do you think that Carmelo Anthony can convince Kevin Durant to join the New York Knicks this summer? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

[Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images]

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