Kawhi denies considering Knicks in free agency

Kawhi Leonard was apparently expected to meet with the New York Knicks during last summer's free-agency period after his visits with the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.

The Knicks reportedly backed out of the sit-down with Leonard when they failed to land Kevin Durant, and chose to pursue other free agents rather than wait on the All-Star forward.

However, Leonard cleared the air Saturday and denied that such a meeting was scheduled, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News.

"I never said I was considering going to the Knicks," Leonard told reporters. "Everybody knew where I wanted to go and that was requested in the trade (to the Toronto Raptors), so I don't know where that came from."

Leonard signed a three-year, $103-million deal with the Clippers, which includes a third-year player option. Meanwhile, the Knicks struck out on a number of marquee free agents, including Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Ahead of the offseason, New York traded star big man Kristaps Porzingis to make room for two max contracts but instead settled for a collection of role players.

The Knicks own the NBA's third-worst record and will take on the Clippers at the Staples Center on Sunday.