Yes, the Knicks didn't land the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft. And while fans mourn their loss of Zion Williamson to the Pelicans -- the team that did land the first pick -- the gears shift to a very important free agency period for New York.

In all reality, free agency has always been the Knicks' top priority enter this offseason. The No. 1 pick would have been amazing, but filling those two max free agent slots are more important for the team's rebuiliding process.

And they have become even more crucial now.

Why? Knicks fans already feel swindled again after the Draft Lottery saw a team with a six percent chance at the No. 1 pick land the top selection. After losing 65 games last season, which is a team-high, the Knicks were the most deserving team of that pick but it escaped them again.

Landing the two free agents, though, can change that mindset immediately.

The obvious player that comes to mind is Kevin Durant. Arguably the best player in the NBA right now, Durant's time in Golden State is close to being up, and rumblings around the league are saying he's already headed to Madison Square Garden.

Fox Sports' Colin Cowherd said he got a direct message from a veteran NBA player saying the 6-foot-11 versatile power forward is "100 percent" headed to the Big Apple. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith added that he's "95 percent sure" Durant and Celtics PG Kyrie Irving will be leading the Knicks next season as well.

These types of rumors will continue to swirl around the league until free agency officially begins, but for the Knicks, they represent more expectations for fans. Hearing a franchise-changing player like Durant is definitely heading to your team would make any fan feel giddy, let alone a package of Durant and Irving.

So it is up to team president Steve Mills and GM Scott Perry to perfect their free-agent pitches, and fill these slots correctly. There is also Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, and Kemba Walker among others to choose from.

However, the Knicks don't want to just settle with their signees. Landing, say, Khris Middleton and Nikola Vucevic wouldn't be the most ideal scenario, and fans would certainly react worse than they did when the Knicks logo was shown in Chicago for the No. 3 pick tonight.

As for that pick, fans shouldn't cause a ruckus if Ja Morant or RJ Barrett find their way to New York. Either player could make a significant impact on this young team next season. Hell, the Knicks may even be able to concoct a trade package for Anthony Davis with that third overall pick.

So, as Knicks fans rein in their emotions, it is on the team brass to make those emotions of despair and defeat change to joy and confidence with a successful free agency class of 2019.

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