What will the Rockets have in mind? They’ve got their answer on Durant as far as next season, and that reported shakeup - perhaps involving the aging and expensive Chris Paul - might be put on hold. Once Leonard makes his call, such names as Jimmy Butler, Kemba Walker, Tobias Harris, D’Angelo Russell and Khris Middleton will be more coveted than ever, with DeMarcus Cousins also in that mix and Washington’s Bradley Beal potentially available in trade. Meanwhile, the free-agent hierarchy has undergone a major shakeup. With Durant bound for the shadows, Davis can be a franchise-changer for several teams, with the Lakers and Celtics most likely to present the best offers. There’s also the looming presence of New Orleans’ Anthony Davis, who has made it clear that he wants to be traded. Worse yet for the Knicks, the crosstown Brooklyn Nets have privately expressed confidence about acquiring Irving. #NBAFinals2019 #KevinDurant /qY6g6o3n1v- Back Page Guy NYDN June 11, 2019 (Always good for a tasteless back-page headline, the New York Daily News went with this on Tuesday: “Durant Goes Down with Achilles Injury, Ruining Everything (that word in bold red letters), as Warriors Avoid Elimination.”) The entire rumor mill is really just a pile of junk, with only a few odd kernels to be trusted, but now that Durant faces the prospect of missing an entire season, the Knicks need to look elsewhere on the market. The Knicks have been the subject of Durant rumors for months, some sources claiming they’ve essentially wrapped up deals for Durant and Celtics free agent Kyrie Irving.
Blowing a 3-1 lead to the Warriors would crush Toronto’s festive mood, perhaps leaving Leonard believing he’s done all he can. If the Raptors win this series, bringing a first title to the franchise, Leonard would have plenty of sensible reasons to stay. He could easily conjure up some championship dreams about an aging, fatigue-prone Warriors team finally giving up the throne. All they need is a superstar, and Leonard would perfectly fit the bill.
Leonard has long fancied the idea of returning home to his native Southern California to play for the Clippers, who have an interesting young roster and a smart, aggressive front office.
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