GREENBURGH, N.Y. _ The Knicks had the day off Tuesday, but didn't exactly get a peaceful respite, instead hearing Kevin Durant explain why free agents _ like himself _ passed on the chance to join the franchise this summer. Back in the gym Wednesday the Knicks answered back.
In a radio interview on Hot 97, Durant explained, "I think a lot of fans look at the Knicks as a brand and expect these younger players who, in their lifetime, don't remember the Knicks being good. I didn't grow up with the Knicks. I've seen the Knicks in the Finals, but kids coming up after me didn't see that. So that whole brand of the Knicks to them is not as cool as, let's say, the Golden State Warriors or even the Lakers or the Nets now. It's like the cool thing right now is not the Knicks."
Durant did not even grant the Knicks a meeting during free agency, opting to head across town to Brooklyn with Kyrie Irving. The Knicks shifted plans, signing seven free agents to rebuild the roster, but without the star power that had been expected when they cleared $70 million in cap space.
