Let's start here with Kyrie Irving, the Knicks and the Nets: free agency is still more than three weeks away.

So there's plenty of time for players -- and teams -- to change their mind about their preferences for this summer.

That applies to Irving as well. His plans/desires today may not be the same as they are on June 30. With that said, in recent days, people around Irving have described the probability of him returning to Boston as a free agent as low. Those around Irving also said recently that he hasn't ruled out teams -- including the Knicks -- as possible destinations for him this summer, per SNY sources.

The Knicks, of course, will have enough cap space to sign two max free agents this summer. If he chooses to leave Golden State, Kevin Durant will give the Knicks strong consideration.

The question of whether Irving would join him in New York or not looms large.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith reported on Tuesday that Irving was giving strong indications that he was going to Brooklyn.

If Irving indeed ends up signing with the Nets, it means the Knicks would have to find another co-star for Durant.

It's logical to presume that who they pursue depends to a large degree on who Durant wants to play with. Kawhi Leonard, Kemba Walker, Jimmy Butler and Klay Thompson are among the players expected to test free agency this summer. New Orleans' Anthony Davis will also be available via trade, and New York will be interested.

If Irving indeed leaves Boston, it may have an impact on the teams in pursuit of Davis. The Celtics' interest in Davis was reportedly predicated on their desire to pair him with Irving. Without Irving, you'd think the Celtics would be less inclined to give up a significant amount of young players/draft picks to acquire Davis.

That could make the Knicks' trade pitches to Irving more attractive to New Orleans. The Lakers are expected to be in the mix for Davis as well. Though, as other reports have noted, some people in positions of influence in New Orleans continue to prefer to deal Davis to a team other than the Lakers, per SNY sources.

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