Report: Knicks' Jackson told Rose he's going after Durant

New York Knicks president Phil Jackson welcomed Derrick Rose to the Big Apple by telling the point guard he intends to pursue free agent Kevin Durant, sources told the New York Daily News' Frank Isola.

Rose was acquired by the Knicks on Wednesday from the Chicago Bulls, in exchange for Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon, and Jerian Grant.

The Knicks pitching Durant is expected when free agency begins July 1, although they're not anticipated as a favorite to land the superstar's services. The once-dominant franchise in the country's biggest media market hasn't had a great track record of landing big-ticket free agents in the past decade, striking out on LeBron James in 2010 and settling for Amar'e Stoudemire the same summer.

Related: 3 reasons not to like the Derrick Rose trade for New York

While the addition of Durant would certainly change the equation, reaction is mixed regarding the quality of the Knicks' roster going forward. While adding a former MVP in Rose is an upgrade at point guard, the team would probably need more work to be considered a playoff squad.