I don't think it changes our pursuit of him. I think it changes who we can get to sign with him. My offseason plan would mean Knicks would break their promise of only top tier free agents
Here is my Knicks Offseason:
DRAFT DAY
RJ. Barrett becomes Knicks pick at #3
Jalen Lecque becomes a Knicks at #56 signed to 2-way contract
Knicks trade Ntilikina for the contract of Tony Parker (retiring so his contract will disappear off books). Charlotte has long coveted Ntilikina. They basically get him for free. Knicks shave 5.6 mil off their cap. However Knicks will not sign 2 max free agents.
Knicks opt in Allonzo Trier
FREE AGENCY STARTS
Knicks sign Kevin Durant to a max contract knowing most of next year will be missed.
Knicks trade Lance Thomas + Dennis Smith Jr. to Orlando for Aaron Gordon. Knicks get their PF who can spread the floor and Orlando gets under the cap. Aaron may be enough with upcoming changes to keep the team in the playoff picture until KD returns. Orlando cuts Lance Thomas non-guaranteed contract and save big money and will dip slightly under the cap.
Knicks sign D'Angelo Russell to a 3 year $52 mil contract.
Knicks resign Lance Thomas
Knicks mid level exception to D'Andre Jordan
POTENTIAL 2019 STARTING LINEUP:
D'Angelo Russell
RJ Barrett
Allonzo Trier (until KD returns)
Aaron Gordon
Mitchell Robinson
KEY BENCH
D'Andre Jordan
Kevin Knox
Damyean Dotson
Lance Thomas
Kadeem Allen
Henry Ellenson
John Jenkins