The New York Knicks want to have as much cap space as possible heading into free agency. They recently made some cost-cutting moves by declining the team options for former first-round picks Henry Ellenson and John Jenkins:
The New York Knicks have declined the team options on Henry Ellenson and John Jenkins, league sources told @TheAthleticNBA.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 29, 2019
Ellenson and Jenkins played sparingly for a tanking Knicks team, thus it makes sense to let them go.
Ellenson, the 18th overall pick in 2016, averaged just 6.0 points and 3.4 rebounds in 17 games with the Knicks. Jenkins played 22 games with New York, where he averaged 5.2 points and 1.6 rebounds.
It's no secret that the Knicks let go of these two players to create more space in their desire to sign two max free agents this offseason.
Kevin Durant has been the top target for the Knicks throughout the regular season. New York had also wanted to pair Durant with All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving to create a superstar tandem.
However, Durant's Achilles injury in the 2019 NBA Finals has dampened those plans altogether. Now, the Brooklyn Nets are reportedly a lock to land Irving with a four-year, $141 million max deal.
This move could ultimately entice Durant to cross the bridge as well and join forces with Uncle Drew in Brooklyn. However, Durant has stated that he is going to make his decisions independent of what other players choose.
Nevertheless, New York still has contingency plans should they strike out on the top-tier free agents. Irving is no longer an option, so that will just leave them with Durant as a possibility.
However, even if KD signs, he will still sit out the entire 2019-20 campaign. Knicks fans have no choice but to wait one more season in the hopes that another top-tier free agent will join a 32-year-old Durant coming off a serious injury.
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