NBA Rumors: Phil Jackson told Derrick Rose that Knicks would pursue Kevin Durant
By Chase Ruttig
Phil Jackson told Derrick Rose that the New York Knicks plan to pursue Kevin Durant when free agency opens on July 1.
Derrick Rose is officially a member of the New York Knicks, but according to the New York Daily News front office boss Phil Jackson isn’t done trying to land star veterans this offseason. Jackson reportedly told Rose that the Knicks will be trying to get the top prize in free agency this summer even after adding the pricey point guard’s contract.
According to the Daily News, Jackson has told Rose that he plans on pursuing Kevin Durant once free agency opens up on July 1, hoping that the addition of a proven former MVP point guard in Rose can enhance the package that Jackson can offer to Durant in the sweepstakes for the star forward.
From the NYDN:
"But Phil Jackson believes that by acquiring the former MVP point guard for one starter, a rookie and a veteran with an expiring contract the Knicks enhanced their bid to land the biggest free agent on the market, Kevin Durant.According to a source, Jackson told Rose of his plan to pursue Durant starting on July 1st. That in of itself may be the worst-kept secret in the NBA, along with the notion that Golden State, San Antonio, Miami and both Los Angeles clubs are also planning to recruit Durant."
Of the teams chasing Durant, the Knicks are perhaps the least attractive basketball option in terms of contending so Jackson is facing an uphill battle in recruiting KD to come to New York.
The Knicks have a chance of making the playoffs, but it is unlikely that signing Rose will be enough to push Durant to come to New York with far superior teams also on the list of options for KD.
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