Kevin Durant has claimed he has "no clue" where the rumors linking him with a move to New York City came from.
In what could be a momentous occasion for the entire league, the two-time NBA Finals MVP is set to become a free agent this summer.
Read more: Will the spat with Draymond Green impact Kevin Durant's free agency decision?
While Durant could simply choose to sign a more lucrative contract with the Golden State Warriors to remain with the franchise with whom he has won two titles in the last two years, he could also opt to explore the market.
As one of the most dominant players in the entire league—he is currently averaging 28.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 50.5 percent from the field—Durant will obviously not be short of suitors this summer.
The New York Knicks have routinely been mentioned as one of the possible destinations for the 30-year-old. While the Knicks have struggled for decades, they would offer Durant the chance of showcasing his abilities on the world's biggest stage as well as the opportunity of having an entire franchise built around him.
The two-time NBA champion, however, suggested he was surprised at the speculation linking him with a move to the Big Apple.
"I have no clue where that stuff comes from," Durant was quoted as saying by the New York Daily News.
"I just focus on playing ball every single day. I can't control what people say about me or what they say about my future or what I should do. I just try to come to work every single day, and life will figure itself out for me."
While Durant might be unaware of where the rumors originated from, the wheels of a major recruiting campaign could be set in motion in a bid to lure him away from the Bay Area in the summer.
In October, a billboard depicting him wearing Knicks colors while standing alongside New York's big hope Kristaps Porzingis and the NBA trophy was put up next to the Madison Square Garden.
A billboard recruiting Kevin Durant to the Knicks just went up outside Madison Square Garden 👀 (📷 via Dennis Roitman) https://t.co/CM0EFNQPZZ pic.twitter.com/ofEexWkqFv
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 25, 2018
As a matter of fact, Durant, who last summer signed a two-year deal worth $30 million with the Warriors which included a player option for the 2019-20 season, appears to be already bored of the rumor mill.
"I wish it was the other way, where it's totally about the game," he told NBC on Tuesday.
"But I get it. Our league has grown so much [. . .] the sexy thing is what happens in the summer more so than what happens in the season. Playoffs and free agency are the big thing now in our league. I get it.
"But for me, personally, I've just got to focus on playing the game."
Durant was his usual efficient self as the Warriors swept the Knicks aside 122-95 on home court on Tuesday night to clinch a second consecutive win.
The former Texas student had 24 points, six assists and six rebounds in 30 minutes but Klay Thompson stole the show, scoring 43 points as he shot 18-of-29 from the field.
The Warriors improved to 27-14 and are second in the Western Conference standings, one game behind the Denver Nuggets.
The Knicks, meanwhile, remain second from bottom in the Eastern Conference with a 10-31 record.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Dan Cancian is currently a reporter for Newsweek based in London, England. Prior to joining Newsweek in January 2018, he ... Read more
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
