NBA News Roundup, Wednesday, October 9th: Kevin Durant explains his decision to snub the New York Knicks, Andre Drummond wants max-contract and more

The 2019-20 NBA season is now less than two weeks away and the new campaign promises to be among the most exciting in recent memory. Much of the NBA's top talent moved during a thrilling offseason, and Golden State Warriors' recent dominance appears to have come to an end following the exit of several key players.

Teams around the league are currently focused on finalizing their rosters ahead of opening night, and the likes of Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith will be hopeful of finding a new team over the next 14 days. So, with plenty going on around the league, here are all the latest news and rumors you need to know for October 9th.

#1 Kevin Durant explains why NBA stars won't sign for the New York Knicks

Kevin Durant believes that the Knicks don't appeal to the current generation of NBA stars

Dating back to last October, few expected Kevin Durant to re-sign with the Golden State Warriors. The superstar had looked increasingly unhappy with the team, and many analysts suggested that the 30-year-old would join the New York Knicks.

Nevertheless, Durant completed a surprise switch to the Brooklyn Nets earlier this summer, and the Knicks failed in their pursuit to land at least one All-Star.

During an interview with Hot 97 in New York, Durant revealed that he briefly considered signing with the Knicks, before stating his belief that the organization no longer appeals to players around the NBA:

I thought about it (joining the Knicks), yeah, just a thought... I think a lot of fans look at the Knicks as a brand and expect these younger players in their lifetime don't remember the Knicks being good. So that whole brand of the Knicks is not as cool as let's say the Golden State Warriors, or even the Lakers or the Nets now.

Durant is expected to miss the entire 2019-20 season after suffering a serious Achilles injury in the NBA Finals. Nevertheless, upon his return, Durant will be in a position to challenge for a title in Brooklyn alongside Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan.

#2 Andre Drummond looking to sign a max-contract

Andre Drummond has established himself as one of the NBA's most dominant bigs

Andre Drummond has spent his entire career to date with the Detroit Pistons, although the 26-year-old has stated his intent to decline a $28.75 million player option for the 2020-21 season and test his value in free agency.

There has been speculation over whether Drummond will attract a maximum deal, and the center told Vincent Ellis of the Detroit Free Press that he feels that he deserves one:

It doesn’t matter if you’re a basketball player. With the work you put in, you should be rewarded for it – no matter who you are. If it’s me or even a rookie. Everybody feels like they should make a maximum amount of dollars.

During the 2018-19 season, Drummond averaged 17.3 points and 15.6 rebounds while shooting 53.3 percent from the field.

#3 Brandon Ingram 'unlikely' to get an extension this season

Brandon Ingram was traded by the Lakers to the Pelicans during the offseason

Players around the NBA have until October 21st to sign contract extensions, and Brandon Ingram is among those eligible to pen a new deal. However, an Eastern Conference General Manager told Alex Kennedy of Hoops Hype that an extension is unlikely due to the fact that the 22-year-old has only just signed with the New Orleans Pelicans:

When a player is new to a team, an extension is unlikely. I’d be surprised if Brandon Ingram gets an extension before the deadline. Out of all these guys we’re discussing like Pascal Siakam, Jaylen Brown, Buddy Hield and Brandon Ingram, I’d be the most surprised if Ingram gets something done, just because he’s new there.

Ingram will make $7.3 million this season before becoming a restricted free agent next summer. The small forward has made 190 appearances during his three seasons in the league, averaging 13.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.