...but I understand his reaction. I do think it was unnecessary to flash on Monty Poole at the end. He was just trying to ask about the game and doesn't traffic in rumor-mongering.

The "KD is going to the Knicks?!?!?!!?" story wasnt' started by writers around here, but writers like Strauss and Kurtenbach are certainly going for clicks with their "speculation." In interviews/articles today, the two of them are brushing the whole thing off as humorous.

KD would have been best served by following Kyrie's initial example over the summer: say you plan to stay with the team, and then emphasize you're not talking about it afterwards. Saying that you're going to be "transparent" then remaining largely silent beyond, "I want the most money" leaves too many opening for rumor mongers.

Regardless, he's still staying.