The New York Knicks will be in play for Kevin Durant when he becomes a free agent in 2016.

“No question about it,” says a person close to Durant. “Kevin loves Carmelo (Anthony). It could work in New York. But never rule out the Thunder.”

Durant is also close to Derek Fisher, a former teammate with the Thunder.

The Oklahoma City Thunder were close to trading Reggie Jackson to the Denver Nuggets, according to a source.

Jackson is reportedly expected to be moved before the trade deadline.

Dion Waiters said he has only spoken to Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson among former Cleveland Cavaliers teammates since his trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Waiters added LeBron James has yet to text or call him since the deal.

"Man, he had his chance to reach out," Waiters said. "I'm not losing any sleep.

"I'm blessed because I went from a great organization to another great organization where I know I can learn to become a better player."

The average NBA franchise valuation is now a record $1.1 billion.

There are now 11 NBA teams worth at least $1 billion, compared to three a year ago.

The Los Angeles Lakers lead the way at $2.6 billion, up 93% over last year. 

The value of the New York Knicks shot up 79% to $2.5 billion, ranking the team second overall.

Rounding out the top five are the Chicago Bulls ($2 billion), Boston Celtics ($1.7 billion) and Los Angeles Clippers ($1.6 billion).

6. Brooklyn Nets: $1.5 billion
7. Golden State Warriors: $1.3 billion
8. Houston Rockets: $1.25 billion
9. Miami Heat: $1.175 billion
10. Dallas Mavericks: $1.15 billion
11. San Antonio Spurs: $1 billion
12. Portland Trail Blazers: $940 million
13. Oklahoma City Thunder: $930 million
14. Toronto Raptors: $920 million
15. Cleveland Cavaliers: $915 million
16. Phoenix Suns: $910 million
17. Washington Wizards: $900 million
18. Orlando Magic: $875 million
19. Denver Nuggets: $855 million
20. Utah Jazz: $850 million
21. Indiana Pacers: $830 million
22. Atlanta Hawks: $825 million
23. Detroit Pistons: $810 million
24. Sacramento Kings: $800 million
25. Memphis Grizzlies: $750 million
26. Charlotte Hornets: $725 million
27. Philadelphia 76ers: $700 million
28. New Orleans Pelicans: $650 million
29. Minnesota Timberwolves: $625 million
30. Milwaukee Bucks: $600 million

Brook Lopez has a $16.7 million player option for the 15-16 season and most executives around the NBA expect him to exercise it.

Lopez figures to receive a lower annual amount in his next contract.

The Brooklyn Nets have held trade talks with the Oklahoma City Thunder on a trade centered upon Lopez.

Dion Waiters was averaging 14.4 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game over his first five with the Oklahoma City Thunder before Tuesday's game.

“They brought me in since Day One with love,” Waiters said. “It seems like I’ve been here forever. It seems like I’ve been playing with them forever, too. When I came here, we clicked right away.”

Waiters was in and out of the Cleveland Cavaliers starting lineup during his first two NBA seasons and then became an afterthought with the arrival of LeBron James and Kevin Love.

“Listen, they give me the ball," said Waiters. "Like, I touch the ball. Like, I actually, like, you know, touch the ball.”

Waiters is given more freedom with the Thunder.

“I’m able to feel the game out, knowing when to take the shot, when not to,” Waiters said. “Like I said, we got a great group of guys on this team who’s very unselfish and they want you to be successful. So I think I came into a great situation.”

Reggie Jackson and the Oklahoma City Thunder were unable to agree upon an extension before the Oct. 31 deadline, meaning he'll be a restricted free agent this offseason.

Jackson was looking for a contract close to Eric Bledsoe's five-year, $70 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, while the Thunder were offering something closer to Kemba Walker's four-year, $48 million deal.

"My ultimate goal is always to win a championship ... (but) whatever is the next move is the next move," Jackson told USA TODAY Sports. "I'm just going to be here and be the best player I can be, day in and day out. When I go on the court I hope it shows. I want to compete at the highest level, always trying to get better. But if you have to move, it is what it is.

"It's funny. I don't think the league likes to hear when players say that we understand it's a business, but for (general managers) and owners they get to throw that card around. Like I said, I always understand that it's a possibility, but I just enjoy playing the game."

Jackson would like to start and also to do so for a winning team.

Russell Westbrook has grown tired of dealing with the media and appears to be adopting a similar interview style as Marshawn Lynch.

Westbrook had recently been short with his answers following losses or under frurstraing circumstances, but he took the same approach after a big win by the Oklahoma City Thunder over the Golden State Warriors.

Here’s the transcript:

That second quarter run, why did that change the game?

Execution. Thought we did a good job of executing.

Down the stretch, you and Serge seemed to be in a really great rhythm. What allowed you to be so successful?

Did a good job of execution.

(Question about their small lineup)

It’s good.

Eight assists in fourth quarter. What did you see from them defensively that allowed that?

We did a good job of executing

(From Berry Tramel) Are you upset with something?

Nah. I just don’t like you.

You don’t?

No.

You don’t like Nick (Gallo, Thunder reporter) either?

I love Nick. I don’t like you.

Well you gave us about the same answers.

Yeah. You got another question?

Played a great game. One of your better ones. Is this one of the better ones you can think of in your career?

Good execution.

Seemed like you played with a sense of urgency tonight. Has that been lacking in the past?

Did a good job of executing tonight.

Career-high 17 assists. How do you feel?

Good job of executing tonight.

The Oklahoma City Thunder were working towards a Brook Lopez trade this week before the Brooklyn Nets decided to keep him for now.

Kevin Durant was asked if he believes the Thunder need more post scoring.

"We put up a lot of points," said Durant. "That's what we do. No matter where it comes from, we score a lot. Adding a good player to your team always helps, but I like what have in here. We put up points. That's not our problem."

The Thunder would have traded away Kendrick Perkins as part of the deal for Lopez.

Quincy Miller is scheduling meetings with the Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs as the D-League Showcase, league sources tell RealGM

Miller is currently playing with the Reno Bighorns.