Warriors Rumors: Knicks' Kevin Durant Pursuit Won't Change Free-Agency Approach

Despite persistent rumors about Kevin Durant's future, the Golden State Warriors aren't going to change their approach down the stretch this season and in the offseason.

Per ESPN.com's Tim Bontemps, rival teams expect Durant to join the New York Knicks if he chooses to leave Golden State, but the two-time defending NBA champions are staying on their own track:

"None of this, of course, has any impact on Golden State's thinking, sources said. Even if Durant went to team brass and said there was no chance he was coming back this summer—and, to be clear, that hasn't happened—it's not as if the Warriors would consider the possibility of trading him. Their plan, as it has been all season, is to go win a third straight title this spring, see what happens this summer and then act accordingly."

Rumors of Durant's departure have been a frequent topic throughout the season.

ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst reported in October that many NBA executives are expecting Golden State to look differently in 2019-20, calling it "essentially a referendum" on Durant's free agency.

Per B/R's Howard Beck, one rival executive believes the Knicks have already received word Durant will sign with them this summer.

The blockbuster deal sending Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks has made New York one of the most interesting teams to watch this summer, as that trade created enough cap space for the Knicks to hand out two max contracts.

If Durant has given the Knicks some assurance he will sign with them this summer, it would make it easier to reel in another top-tier free agent.

For now, though, the 36-15 Warriors will be happy to let Durant play an integral role in their pursuit of a third straight title. They are currently tied with the Denver Nuggets for the top seed in the Western Conference.