The New York Knicks have once again struck out in the Home Run Derby of free-agent acquisitions. A slate of gold-covered cogs like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker, Klay Thompson were up for grabs, yet all the organization managed to snatch was one huge K after whiffing on all of them, and almost certainly Kawhi Leonard as well, for good measure.

Irving, a New Jersey native who grew up idolizing the Mecca of Basketball, noted his dream had been to play in New York all along, but questions about the Knicks' management pulled him away from picking the Knicks, according to Frank Isola of The Athletic.

This is hardly new for a franchise that has been known more for its ineptitude than for its rich history in the league, unable to capitalize on big names despite the natural allure of playing in the city that never sleeps, along the glamour and countless business opportunities:

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“That feeling appears to be shared by many players. The Knicks way is not working and everyone in the organization, from Dolan on down, has to take some responsibility for that.”

This is coming on the heels of a report that the Knicks were not willing to offer Durant a max-level contract due to concerns about his Achilles injury — a disrespect the organization could not risk for a player of such caliber.

The Brooklyn Nets, LA Clippers and even the Golden State Warriors were willing to offer him a full max, even if that meant the Warriors paying him $57 million more than any other team in the league and shelling out $50 million for his services at age 35.

Irving's decision to sign with the Nets was ultimately what solidified Durant's confidence in signing with them, as Brooklyn once again got the better of the Knicks, who have yet again been reduced to a mere laughingstock with its consequent signings and apology to their fans. Adding insult to injury, Irving and Durant are reportedly taking small discounts to play together in Brooklyn with friend DeAndre Jordan, who finished last season with New York.