NBA Free Agents Rumors: Kevin Durant Could Sign With Golden State Warriors in 2016 Offseason
This upcoming NBA offseason promises to be a memorable one. Kevin Durant, arguably the best scorer in the NBA today, has been involved in numerous rumors regarding his future status with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but there's no telling what he will do or where he will decide to go.
According to Yahoo Sports, the Golden State Warriors are "a serious threat to sign Durant" this offseason.
That may sound impossible because Durant is a such a quality player, and the Warriors already have so much money invested in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, but NBA insiders believe it is achievable. Another Yahoo Sports piece goes into great depth to show how the Warriors signing Durant is very much a possibility all while keeping Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green. If this did eventually happen, Durant may have to take a little discount so the Warriors don't give up too much depth on their roster.
As previously stated, Durant is a phenomenal scorer. However, as we all know, Curry is the leading scorer in the league this year and Thompson can take over a game on any given night. If Durant is part of a starting lineup with Curry and Thompson, more than likely his shot production will go down, possibly even his minutes played per game. That may actually turn Durant on. The idea of playing less but with an elite team has its advantages. We see game after game Curry and Thompson resting in the fourth quarter with a 30-point lead. Maybe Durant would be willing to join a loaded team even if it meant playing a little less.
That same report also indicated that both the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers are very interested in acquiring Durant this offseason, which may not be out of the realm of possibility. With Kobe Bryant set to retire soon, the Lakers have plenty of salary cap space opening up. As for the Clippers, rumors have also been circulating that Blake Griffin could be dealt before this year's NBA trade deadline, which would obviously clear up a lot of cap space. With the Warriors, Lakers and Clippers interested, don't count out California as Durant's next home.
The Washington Wizards have been the front-runners to sign Durant for quite some time. Durant is from Washington, D.C., and playing in the Eastern Conference would be much easier than playing in the West.
Durant's teammate, Russell Westbrook, may be the X factor here. Westbrook has one more year left on his contract with the Thunder. If Westbrook shows no signs of re-signing a long-term contract, it may be wise for Durant to just leave the Thunder now and build his legacy elsewhere. Durant is averaging 27.2 points per game this season.
LeBron James was heavily criticized when he left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat. Many felt as if he was just "ring chasing." If Durant leaves the Thunder without a championship for the Warriors, you know the criticism is coming.
The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, Feb. 18 at 3 p.m. ET.
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1