The Kevin Durant sweepstakes are well underway, and a couple of possible suitors have already fallen off the table. The Los Angeles Lakers won't even receive a meeting with Durant, and neither will his hometown Washington Wizards.

There are six franchises who have landed meetings with KD or are expected to receive one in the near future: the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat. One previously rumored contender for Durant's services left off that list is the New York Knicks.

A few days ago, it was reported that the Knicks will make a run at Durant, even if they're unlikely to land him. Some sources as far back as March stated that New York won't be considered by Durant, no matter how hard they try.

Despite their low odds, the organization has a feeling of optimism that they'll at least be able to make their case to Durant. According to ESPN's Ian Begley, even though no meeting has been set between the Knicks and Durant, New York remains confident that they'll receive one after free agency begins on July 1st.

Kevin Durant, Steph Curry
USA Today Sports Images

If Knicks fans want to maintain hope, they can point to Durant's friendship with Carmelo Anthony and the connection between his agency, Roc Nation Sports, and New York, as well as general manager Steve Mills.

The Knicks certainly have the money to sign Durant, with over $40 million in cap space available. However, it's been reported that KD will only leave OKC for a championship contender, which is far from the case in New York currently.

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