When the Knicks meet with free agent Kawhi Leonard in a bid to lure the NBA Finals MVP to New York, the organization plans for basketball to be only part of its recruiting pitch.
While it’s true for Kevin Durant and all free agents the Knicks plan to recruit, the club hopes to underline the business opportunities that have largely eluded the low-key Leonard.
In particular, New York’s raging shoe/sneaker market could finally resonate with the 27-year-old Leonard at this stage of his career. In February, Leonard left Jordan Brand in an unorthodox maneuver to join New Balance, which had been out of the NBA scene.