Why Kevin Durant’s Family Wanted Him on the Knicks Instead of the Nets
Kevin Durant and his agent Rich Kleiman recently discussed a revelation that they wanted Durant to join the New York Knicks instead of the Brooklyn Nets in 2019. In a recent Boardroom Cover Story, Kleiman admitted his strong desire for Durant to play for the Knicks, a team he and Durant’s family members supported. Despite this desire, Durant ultimately chose the Nets, creating one of the most memorable, albeit unsuccessful, partnerships with Kyrie Irving.
Durant’s decision to join the Nets came at a time when the Knicks were struggling under executive chairman James Dolan’s leadership. However, in the years since, the Knicks have undergone a transformation under team president Leon Rose, assembling a talented roster including players like Jalen Brunson, O.G. Anunoby, and Julius Randle. With a record of 33-22, the Knicks are now considered a formidable team heading into the playoffs.
On the other hand, the Nets, led by Mikal Bridges, are facing a crossroads after a series of trades and player departures. Once considered the top team in New York, the Nets now find themselves in a rebuilding phase with a roster dominated by role players and future draft picks.
The contrast between the Knicks and the Nets underscores the unpredictable nature of professional sports. While the Knicks have emerged as a competitive team, the Nets face uncertainty as they navigate through a period of transition. Ultimately, Durant’s decision to join the Nets over the Knicks reflected a pivotal moment in both teams’ trajectories in the NBA landscape.