Thew New York Knicks had dreams of signing the two biggest stars of the 2019 NBA free-agent class in Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard and cementing a new era in “The Mecca of Basketball ”

Despite these grandiose visions, however, Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report writes that Leonard would only pair with Durant with the Los Angeles Clippers:

All along, team sources say, the Knicks graded Kawhi Leonard and Durant as the only players truly worthy of a max salary, and their dream scenario was to sign that duo, rather than Durant and Irving. Durant, sources with knowledge of his thinking say, was open to teaming up with Leonard rather than Irving, at least on the court, but Leonard would only entertain that possibility with the Clippers, while Durant was set on doing it in New York.

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Rather than signing two of the best players of this generation, the Knicks have ended up with Julius Randle, Elfrid Payton, Taj Gibson, Bobby Portis, Reggie Bullock and Wayne Ellington, capping a disappointing free agency for Knicks fans who, at one point, envisioned the possibility of Zion Williamson, Kyrie Irving and Durant all sharing the floor.

Multiple reporters, including Bucher, have stated that the Achilles injury changed everything for Durant, who may still have gone to New York without the assurance of a second star if he were still healthy.

Meanwhile, Leonard's own free agency remains a mystery. Speculation grew after footage was leaked of his plane supposedly landing back in Toronto on Wednesday afternoon, but he has given no clear indication as to when he will make his decision.