Report: Phil Jackson told Derrick Rose the Knicks will pursue Kevin Durant

Phil Jackson told Derrick Rose, who was acquired in a trade with the Bulls on Wednesday, that the team intends to pursue Kevin Durant in free agency.

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The Knicks are hoping that landing Derrick Rose isn’t the biggest splash of their summer.

Team president Phil Jackson told Rose, who was acquired in a trade with the Bulls on Wednesday, that the team intends to pursue Kevin Durant in free agency, Frank Isola of the New York Daily Newsreports.

New York joins a laundry list of teams, including San Antonio, Boston, Washington and Golden State, who are interested in the 27-year-old forward.

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Durant, who as recently as Wednesday was reported to be leaning toward re-signing with the Thunder, will meet with interested teams in Los Angeles when free agency begins on July 1. 

The seven-time All Star has averaged 27.4 points per game over his professional career, and was named the league’s MVP following the 2013–14 season.

– Kenny Ducey