One theory is Kevin Durant needs another star companion such as Kyrie Irving to make the leap to New York — which is why Knicks brass was so eager to create the extra cap space with the Kristaps Porzingis trade.
Knicks president Steve Mills may also want to save a couple of bucks for Durant’s longtime Maryland compadre, Quinn Cook, the Warriors’ backup point guard.
There’s been speculation that Durant’s agent, New York-based Rich Kleiman, could join the Knicks front office if Durant comes. One NBA source believes Durant may want Cook to follow him to his next stop, too.
Cook and Durant were part of the same AAU system, playing for the P.G. Jaguars.
In an interview with The Post last month before the Knicks faced the Warriors in Oakland, Cook said he and Durant met at the Seat Pleasant Activity Center in Maryland when he was 7 years old and KD was 12.
“We became friends,’’ Cook told The Post. “He’s been like a big brother to me since then in all facets of life. He’s always been there for me.
“We relate. We come from the same place. We’ve known each other our whole lives. We worked our butts to get here. But when we’re with each other we rarely talk about basketball. Obviously it’s our job. We like to get away from everything. I got a lot of love for him. He’s got a lot of love for me. We have a great rapport.’’
Even at age 7, he got to face the older Durant.
“No matter how old you are [at AAU], we all practiced against each other,’’ Cook said. “That’s how you develop the toughness. All the young kids from the area grew up in that gym. It’s been a great ride for us.’’
The 25-year-old Cook, who played four years at Duke, would prefer to remain teammates with Durant if he can.
In his second Golden State season, the undrafted Cook has a more substantial role as a serviceable Stephen Curry caddie with a sweet jump shot. Playing in 48 games, Cook is averaging 6.2 points in 14.4 minutes and shooting 37.3 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.
Waived four times in his career, Cook, who also will be a free agent, said he wants to think about adding a second ring to his collection.
“I’m focused on this year,’’ Cook said when asked if he’ll join Durant in 2019-2020. “He gets that question a lot. He just tries to be the best player, best teammate he can be this year. I haven’t been through that. I’m still trying to find my way. We’re all focused on this year to repeat as champions.’’
It sounds like Cook will miss Durant if separated.
“Any time you get to play with one of your best friends at the highest level is obviously a great thing,’’ he said. “He helps me so much off the floor and even more on the floor. He gets me so many open shots. We have a great connection out there. We know each other. We’ve been playing together the past 10-plus years.
“It’s always great for me to come to work with a guy like that every day to see how hard he works and how much time he puts in his craft. I get to learn from a guy like that every day.’’
Durant’s loyalty to his Maryland past is strong. He’s worn “35’’ since he played at Texas as tribute to his first youth coach at Seat Pleasant, Charles Craig, who was murdered at age 35.
“The biggest thing for me is, I always admired how hard he’s worked,’’ Cook said of Durant. “He’s always had a great work ethic, especially when we were kids. He was far more advanced from working hard. I saw him get better every year. I’m not surprised where he is because how hard he worked…. Obviously he’s even a better basketball player and better friend. He’s so humble. He’ll sit and have a conversation with anybody. I think that’s what makes him special.’’
The media occasionally see the gruff side — as they did three weeks ago when Durant railed at reporters for ceaseless speculation about his future — even though he had strategically signed a one-year deal that would allow him to become a free agent at season’s end. Durant must have known what this season would be like.
“He’s been locked in, though,’’ Cook said. “Obviously with social media, it’s a distraction. But he’s been a superstar since he’s been in this league. He’s used to dealing with rumors and does a great job. Still locked in — first in the gym, last to leave. He sets a great example for all his teammates. He’s all about winning.’’
During that morning shootaround last month at their downtown Oakland headquarters, Cook was engaged in conversation with Kleiman, who has been given special access by Warriors brass.
During All-Star weekend, Durant said of Kleiman, “He’s been with me for a long minute, so I trust him.’’
So has Cook.
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