New York Knicks Continue to Affect San Antonio Spurs’ Plans

It appears like the Derrick Rose trade to the New York Knicks could end up having an even more pronounced impact on the San Antonio Spurs than previously believed.

I wrote yesterday about how the Spurs would benefit from Rose in New York because it took one major suitor off the free agent market for a star point like Mike Conley or Rajon Rondo.

The Knicks don’t appear to be done in attempting to bolster their roster, though, and they have their eyes on a major player who the Spurs are said to be interested in.

Phil Jackson is assuring Rose that the Knicks are going to make a run at acquiring Kevin Durant to add to the talent in New York.

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It seems dubious that Durant would choose New York over destinations like San Antonio, Golden State, or Boston if he were to leave Oklahoma City, because Durant has hinted that teammates and opportunity to win would be high priorities in his determination of what team to decide upon.

Still, the New York option looms large, and the Rose trade certainly helps their cause. Durant had previously said that in order for him to consider New York, they would need to upgrade their backcourt.

Rose is a former MVP, and although injuries have decreased his abilities from what he was at his peak, he’s still a great point guard.

The Knicks also have more money available to offer Durant than San Antonio does currently, and although Durant has downplayed money as being a huge factor in his decision, very few people are immune to the persuasion that a larger sum of money can have.

Even dwelling in the basketball basement in terms of performance will never fully erase the alluring aura that New York has. Being the media capital of the world, it’s a magnet that always seems to entice players with the potential rewards of being a part of the team that brings an NBA title back to the Mecca of Basketball for the first time in over 4 decades.

Legends are made in New York, and that type of opportunity simply can’t be offered by other cities to the same degree. If that grandeur especially resonates with a player, it can be a powerful recruiting tool.

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Durant’s past comments have indicated his desire to play on a team like the Spurs, but the Knicks have the ability to interfere with San Antonio’s plans to bid for Durant’s services. The Rose trade has definitely changed the NBA landscape. Free agency will be exciting.