Kevin Durant says he hasn’t had enough free time to dissect his free-agent future, but he’s fine with being linked with the Knicks. Durant added that playing at the Garden is a “blessing” and some of his favorite memories are of playing hoops in New York City.
Durant, whose Thunder face the Knicks on Tuesday night, regards playing with the Knicks as an obvious, attractive destination, especially for a kid from Maryland. Durant made a reference to his historic night at Rucker Park during the 2011 lockout, when he dropped a record 66 points in a game at the Harlem playground. He also praised former teammate Derek Fisher as “a great coach’’ for the Knicks.
In his most extensive talk yet on free agency, Durant didn’t give any indication how strongly he’s considering staying in Oklahoma City, leaving it open.
“They link everybody with New York City,’’ Durant said after the Thunder’s shootaround at the Garden. “It’s one of the greatest cities in the world. It’s not a bad thing. It’s a great city. Great place to visit, great place to live, I’m sure. But they link everybody, not just me.
“I spent some nice time up here playing basketball in New York City. Some of the most memorable times in my life was coming up here, playing outside, just getting the pure love of the game up here. I remember that, always going to remember that the rest of my life and tell my kids about that when I get older. I come from Maryland. We know how big basketball is here.
“Of course I enjoy playing here and the Garden. Every movie you watch, you had a scene playing basketball in the Garden. Everything reverts back to being in the Garden, whether [it’s] musicians, basketball players. To play here is just a blessing.’’
The Thunder are considered the favorites to re-sign Durant, but his hometown Wizards, the Lakers and Knicks figure to get strong consideration this summer. Durant said he hasn’t yet analyzed his options with any zeal, but didn’t mention he was leaning toward staying put — like most impending free agents say.
The Knicks need players to opt out of their contracts to have maximum cap space, but can come close if they use the stretch provision on Jose Calderon.
“The season moves along so quickly,’’ Durant said. “Every chance I get alone, I’m either on the plane [or] in the city thinking about the game the next day. I can’t totally just say I haven’t totally thought about it at all, but I haven’t sat down and put a lot of time into what I’m looking for. I’ve been focusing on the season and teammates and how I can be better as a player and leader. Everything else comes after that and the season.’’
Durant was asked whether sticking with Thunder running mate Russell Westbrook will be a big factor in his decision.
“I haven’t thought about that,” Durant said. “I’m enjoying every moment, and told that to myself before the year. It’s easy for me to stray off the path and think about the future. I pray when I get out of bed to stay in the moment and enjoy the moment. This stuff goes by quick. It’s my ninth season, and I can remember my first game at Madison Square Garden like it was yesterday.
“We’ll worry about that stuff when I get there. I know that’s what people want to hear — the information [on my future]. I’ll tell you everything you need to know when that time comes.’’
The Knicks have a strong advantage in Durant’s love of Fisher, his teammate for two seasons with the Thunder.
“I know Fisher is a great basketball mind, great motivator and he’d make a great basketball coach no matter what the record is,’’ Durant said. “I was happy to see him gets his first job so early after retirement. Just to lead those guys, everybody respects him here. You want the players’ respect from everybody. He gets that from a lot of people.’’
In continuing his nice words on rookie Kristaps Porzingis, Durant said he knew about him since 2014.
“I’m always on the draft websites seeing who’s coming in next,’’ Durant said. “And I happen to see his name last year when he pulled out of the draft (in 2014). I know about a lot of guys in college and overseas looking to make the jump. I kind of watch YouTube. I’ve seen some of his clips, see how skilled he was, big he was, how fluid he was. Some guys can shoot the ball his height, but he’s a fluid shooter.’’
Durant was asked if the market size matters and gave his lone answer that could bode well for OKC.
“It’s not different,’’ Durant said. “So many games on TV nowadays. Social media gives the game and different players exposure where you are. It really doesn’t better. It’s never been about that for me. It’s been about the game and about being a basketball player first.’’
The Thunder have been in town since Saturday, and lost to the Nets on Sunday. They’ve experienced the bad part of New York’s winter — the occasional blizzard.
“It’s been sensational, man,’’ Durant said. “A lot of thinking in the hotel because of the snow. The weather threw a wrench in the project, I guess. But it’s always cool being back close to home and NYC.’’
Durant praised Knicks star Carmelo Anthony for his increase in assists, and professes to like the club.
“They’re a good basketball team,’’ Durant said. “They got from top to bottom good players. They did a good job of filling the roster with Porzingis a great add, Robin Lopez, [Arron] Afflalo, Derrick Williams. They’re playing well right now and you can credit Fish for a lot of that.’’