The New York Knicks will aggressively pursue potential unrestricted free agent Kawhi Leonard in the summer, according to SNY's Ian Begley.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski recently reported that Leonard's options are effectively narrowed down to the LA Clippers and Toronto Raptors, but the Big Apple remains another option for the recently crowned NBA champion and Finals MVP. Woj also noted on draft night that the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers may get meetings.
The Raptors can offer Leonard one more year and nearly $50 million more than any other suitor, including his hometown Clippers.
However, the Knicks remain another big market that has caught the eyes of many free agents of this 2019 class due to their two max-level slots and a front office determined to change the team's outlook.
It's likely that New York remains a long shot in comparison to Toronto and Los Angeles, but that won't keep the Knicks from shooting their shot at the healthiest best talent available this summer.
New York's only clear case for Leonard would be the sheer amount of marketing opportunities he could get after missing out on a supermax contract by leaving the San Antonio Spurs last offseason in a trade to Toronto.
The 6-foot-7 star doesn't seem to be driven by money, but rather his own comfort and being close to those he deems important to his life, making that a difficult sell.
But it will be another door the Knicks will need to knock on, just doing their due diligence as they would have to do with any incoming free agent they could picture putting on the uniform.
Follow Us
Subscribe