Kevin Durant is one of the top free agents on the market, and is expected to give the Knicks strong consideration if he decides to leave Golden State.
If Durant asked Charles Barkley about signing with the Knicks as a free agent, here is what Barkley would tell him:
"Well I'd say, 'Kevin you're one of the greatest players I've ever seen. You've also got some of the thinnest skin I've ever seen. I don't know if you're made for New York City," Barkley said on a conference call to promote American Century Championship golf tournament. "I think that would be the toughest aspect.
"If he's arguing with these teenagers online, he's not going to be able to deal with that New York media. He's a great person, he's a great player. I don't think he has the mental makeup to play in New York, that's just my personal opinion."
The sensitivity Barkley references is a widely-held, if subjective, view of Durant, of course. The TNT analyst is likely referencing Durant's use of a burner account on social media to respond to critics and other engagement with critics on social media.
Durant will be out for Game 3 of the NBA Finals with a calf injury. It is unclear whether or not he will return.
The Knicks will have at least $70 million in cap space this summer, enough money to sign Durant and a second max free agent.
Barkley will be playing in his 24th American Century Championship as the fan favorite and the annual longshot, available at odds of 6,000-1 in the Harrah's Tahoe Sports Book.