Can the New York Knicks Sign both Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard?

New York Knicks, Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors
Jun 2, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) brings the ball up court against Golden State Warriors forward Jordan Bell (2) during the fourth quarter in game two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The idea of signing Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving has been the talk of the town for the New York Knicks and their fans, however, what if they were able to secure two of the most polarizing players in basketball.

Reports have indicated that Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard may opt to leave the northern city, which could open up an opportunity for the Knicks.

Marc Berman of the New York Post reported: “Knicks president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry fully expect to get a meeting” with Leonard.

Convincing him to come to New York will be a tall task considering the other options available, but maybe, just maybe, he has a sweet spot for Madison Square Garden and its fans.

How much would the Knicks have to dish out?

If the Knicks can walk into the 2019 offseason with $72.5 million in cap space, a very possible number, they would easily be able to sign two max contracts. Would it be enough for Durant and Leonard? That’s the ultimate question.

Additionally, it would force the Knicks to utilize the point guards currently on the team – Frank Ntilikina might just find himself with a third chance at life as a starter.

Kawhi is currently hauling in a bit over $18M per season, but I imagine that will jump into the $30-35M range after he finishes up in the NBA finals. Durant is averaging $30.75M per season, a number the Knicks can work with. Together, they would take up a majority of the cap space, but it would be worth every penny.

Despite sticking with Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr., they would have two players average a combined 52.6 points per game. Throw in the 3rd overall pick and the youth already on the roster and suddenly the Knicks are one of the league’s most polarizing teams.

What the Knicks’ starting roster could look like in this scenario:

-Kevin Durant

-Kawhi Leonard

-Dennis Smith Jr.

-Mitchell Robinson

-RJ Barrett

With Durant playing as a shooting guard and Leonard as a traditional small forward, the dynamic of the team would be theoretically unstoppable.