The general consensus is that New York Knicks third-overall pick RJ Barrett will be a foundational building block for the future of the organization. He’s a player that can develop into a potential superstar, but it will take some time for him to get there.
That’s why the Knicks must do whatever it takes to sign Durant, the absolute perfect player to help Barrett reach his potential. The experience, success, and all-around dominance of Durant’s game is something most youth players try to mimic, but while his injury will likely keep him out for some if not all of the 2019-20 season, there’s still value to be extracted.
The Knicks can still put Durant to work even if he’s sitting on the bench collecting $30+ million next season — he can be Barrett’s mentor. Having one of the best players in the NBA to help develop your top pick is something most organizations dream of, and it can be a reality, the hardest part will be convincing him to come to New York.
What will be the New York Knicks sales pitch?
I assume the executives will not only have to show Durant the best night of his life off the court but to also convince the superstar that their current team is ready to win. If he misses all of next season and returns after, there has to be a belief that the team will be in a position to compete for playoff contention.
Two years of experience for players like Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson, Damyeon Dotson, Allonzo Trier, and a year for Barrett should put them in a position to succeed. That should be the primary pitch, along with the guarantee that they will address the point guard position with an above-average talent and retain DeAndre Jordan, Durant’s good friend.
Given the Brooklyn Nets don’t blow Durant out of the water with their plan, that should be enough to sway him towards the Knicks and Madison Square Garden.