Knicks ‘upbeat’ despite disappointment over missing out on Durant

FILE – New York Knicks President Steve Mills speaks at the unveiling of the Knicks’ jersey sponsorship with Squarespace at Madison Square Garden on October 10, 2017 in New York City. Abbie Parr/Getty Images/AFP

The Knicks say they are “upbeat” despite free agency opening with disappointing news.

Kevin Durant announced he would sign with the Brooklyn Nets, taking away one of the best players available and limiting the type of splash the Knicks would be able to make.

They came into free agency with about $70 million, most in the league and enough to sign two maximum contract players.

Knicks President Steve Mills says the team understands that some Knicks fans would be disappointed, but says the team continues to be “upbeat and confident in our plans to rebuild the Knicks to compete for championships in the future, through the draft, targeted free agents and continuing to build around our core of young players.”

The Knicks agreed to deals with forward Julius Randle and Taj Gibson on Sunday night.