Golden State Warriors Rumors: Team Reportedly Preparing To Make A Serious Run At Kevin Durant This Offseason
The Golden State Warriors could be the best NBA team of all time, but rumors indicate that they may be getting even better in the offseason by taking a run at likely free agent Kevin Durant.
There had been rumors that the Warriors may be interested in taking a run at the Oklahoma City Thunder star, who is expected to opt out of his contract and test free agency this summer. While many think Durant will end up staying in Oklahoma City — as the team can offer him the biggest contract — there is still a chance he might leave if the situation is right.
Earlier this month, Yahoo Sports insider Adrian Wojnarowski called the Golden State Warriors a good candidate to land Kevin Durant, noting that the team’s plans to land him stretch back to before their 2015 title run and that they have all the pieces in place to be a very attractive option.
The Warriors already have everything and yet they’re threatening to take more now. Steph Curry. Klay Thompson. Draymond Green. Committed ownership. Bob Myers, the executive of the year. Steve Kerr, a championship coach. Yes, Golden State has everything, including the ability to create the salary-cap space and a belief that Durant’s persona could fit seamlessly – even onto a potential two-time defending champion.
Wojnarowki noted that some of the Warriors players have alluded to their potential for drawing big name free agents (though not naming Kevin Durant directly).
“We’re all about winning,” Draymond Green told The Vertical. “One thing guys on this team don’t care about is who is getting the shots, or who is scoring. Guys definitely want to play here, play with us. We’re smiling. We’re having fun. You can tell that. I definitely think it’s become one of those places where guys will want to play.”
San Francisco Chronicle reporter Kevin Lynch questioned the Golden State Warriors rumors, wondering where Kevin Durant might fit into an offense where for the first time in his career he would be the second option, behind MVP Steph Curry.
"They would love to turn him [Blake Griffin] into Kevin Durant." – @Chris_Broussard pic.twitter.com/qYoQRwUQEG
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 16, 2016
Lynch was also skeptical over whether the Warriors would want Durant, or if they would be any better with him than they already are now.
The Thunder has a forceful scoring threat at guard in Russell Westbrook, and when he gobbles up too much of the offense, the Thunder sputter. So why should we expect pairing Durant with Curry would be seamless?
Additionally, even though Durant says and does the right things, the Thunder have underachieved with him. Remember, OKC once had a big three of Durant, Westbrook and James Harden, although Harden wasn’t as good as he is now.
But Wojnarowski believes the recruiting has already started, including All-Star weekend when Durant teamed up with Curry and Green to represent the Western Conference. And if the Warriors can complete what appear to be an inevitable run to their second straight title, it could make the destination that much more attractive for Durant, who is hungry for a championship himself.
If the rumors are true and the Golden State Warriors do make a run at Kevin Durant this offseason, there could be some fierce competition. There are about a half dozen teams expected to be in real consideration for him, including the Houston Rockets who just kept Dwight Howard and are expected to re-sign their big man to become a more attractive destination.
[Picture by Christian Petersen/Getty Images]
