The Knicks Have Been Named An Option For Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler

Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler are close. The former Team USA teammates have reportedly discussed playing together in the NBA. Minnesota was listed as an option for Irving last summer before he was traded to Boston. Butler, meanwhile, is reportedly unhappy with the Timberwolves and isn't expected to re-sign.

This could have both Kyrie and Butler as free agents in 2019. Both players can opt out of their contracts next summer and hit the open market.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported earlier in the week that Irving and Butler were continuing to discuss the idea of playing together.

"A league source close to the situation told the Sun-Times on Tuesday that Kyrie Irving and former Bulls All-Star Jimmy Butler are still trying to figure out a way to play together. Whether that means the Celtics try and acquire Butler this summer or the two simply wait a year, both opt out of their player options after the season, and join forces that way.

Either way, the two former Team USA Basketball teammates are looking for a destination to build an elite backcourt, whether that's in Celtics green or elsewhere in the East," the Sun Times reports.

What team could these two both decide to play for?

The Knicks, unsurprisingly, have been named an option.

ESPN NBA insider Ryan Hollins listed New York as a great option on First Take today. He can see Kyrie and Butler teaming up with Kristaps Porzingis in NYC.

"Mark my words, even as an L.A. guy, there's nothing like winning in New York," Hollins said.

The Knicks have been listed as an option for a couple of major 2019 free agents. ESPN's Zach Lowe reported earlier this week that New York is planning on pursuing Kevin Durant, too.