1. Kevin Durant
The top spot on this list could have easily gone to Leonard, especially after Kevin Durant’s Achilles injury suffered in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, but for the past few months, it has been speculated that Durant would join the Knicks this offseason.
True, Durant did suffer a serious injury, and will likely miss all of next season, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing for New York. If the Knicks can manage to sign another star to join Durant, and draft R.J. Barrett with the 3rd overall pick in the upcoming draft then by the 2020-21 season the Knicks could have a real “Big 3” in place.
When healthy, Durant is arguably the best player in the world. He has the personal awards and stats that can match up with anyone’s, and his ability on the floor rivals any player in the league. If the rumors have been true, and Durant does get a max contract from the Knicks, then he would have the chance to cement his legacy as the player who finally led the Knicks back to the promised land. This would etch him in basketball history as one of the top 10 players of all-time.
Clearly, New York has plenty of options and decisions to make in the upcoming weeks, all of which should have New York fans excited. Pairing any of these stars together, or any other big names available this offseason means the NBA will likely see the Knicks play more than 82 games next season.