The Knicks will meet with both Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard when free agency begins Sunday night, according to The Athletic's Frank Isola.
According to SNY's Ian Begley, there are multiple teams who have interest in pairing Leonard and fellow free agent Jimmy Butler.
New York, which has enough cap space (approximately $70 million) to sign two free agents to max contracts, has its sights set on Durant, Leonard and Kyrie Irving, who has reportedly indicated his willingness to sign with the Nets.
Once the Knicks meet with Durant and Leonard, they are expected to meet with "second-tier free agents" in Los Angeles, Isola reports.
That list reportedly features names like Tobias Harris, Nikola Vucevic, DeMarcus Cousins, Markieff Morris and Marcus Morris. The Knicks could also potentially explore a reunion with Carmelo Anthony.
Leonard has a meeting set up with the Los Angeles Clippers and is also "seriously considering" re-signing with the Toronto Raptors, who can offer the two-time NBA Finals MVP a five-year, $190 million max deal.
Every other team, including the Knicks and Clippers, can offer Leonard a four-year, $140 million max contract.
As for Durant, he declined his $31.5 million player option on Wednesday to become an unrestricted free agent. Though he is expected to miss the entire 2019-20 season after rupturing his Achilles tendon during the NBA Finals, the Knicks, Nets and Clippers are among the teams pursuing the 10-time All-Star.
This year's class of free agents also features Kemba Walker and Klay Thompson.