Durant has been heavily linked with a potential switch to the Knicks next summer after signing a so-called “one-plus-one” contract extension with the Warriors this summer that would allow him to become a free agent once again in 2019.
The Knicks are expected to become one of the league’s premier free agent destinations next summer with a sizeable chunk of cap space available to lure one, or possibly two, max-level players to the Big Apple.
However, ESPN host Kellerman believes that, even if the Knicks managed to snare the two-time Finals MVP, the addition of Durant would not guarantee that New York would become instant contenders.
“KD would be going to the biggest market who has never had a player as good as him,” Kellerman explained.
“He would immediately, day one… he’s the greatest player in the history of the New York Knicks. And he can play above the rim if he has to – the Knicks have never really had a great player who could any of that stuff.
“Here is the problem. If [Kristaps] Porzingis stays healthy and they get another star, who says they dominate the East. You are making the mistake of putting KD on the same level as LeBron James.
“They are two different levels of player, I can’t say this clearly enough. LeBron James is up here, everyone else is a full level below. KD can’t see LeBron, they are not the same calibre of player, period.
“Let’s say KD does go to the Knicks and Porzingis turns into a star, but not a superstar, and they do get Kyrie [Irving] or some other good player. Are they necessarily better than the Raptors with Kawhi [Leonard]?
“Are they better than the Celtics if Kyrie doesn’t leave the Celtics, especially considering the moves Danny Ainge is capable of making?
“You put KD on the Knicks right now – are they the best in the East? Nope. Put KD on the Wizards right now, are you sure they’re better than the Celtics? I’m not.
“You have made the mistake of thinking KD is LeBron. KD is an All-Time great – he ain’t LeBron James. LeBron James is going down in history as the second greatest player who ever lived. KD is not there.”