Management of the New York Knicks were "stunned and depressed" when Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant elected to sign with the Brooklyn Nets on June 30th, according to a team source that spoke with Frank Isola of The Athletic.

The Knicks were optimistic of their chances of signing Durant throughout the 18-19 season and created cap space to do so by trading Kristaps Porzingis alongside Tim Hardaway and Courtney Lee.

The Knicks reportedly wanted to pair Durant and Irving with Zion Williamson by winning the lottery.

The Knicks instead pivoted to sign a number of second and third tier free agents on short-term deals.