We just wrapped up an epic NBA Finals series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors. Now, all our attention can turn to the offseason. With the NBA salary cap set to jump the next two seasons, teams will have ample funds to throw at players. During this offseason no NBA player will be courted more than OKC’s lethal 7 foot terror, and soon to be free agent, Kevin Durant.
KD and the OKC Thunder pushed the Golden State Warriors to 7 games in the Western Conference Finals and look to be a safe bet to retain their superstar. But, what does Golden State’s stunning loss in the NBA Finals mean for KD?
Rumors about KD wanting to join the Warriors have been floating around since January. Fresh off their Finals loss where Warriors current small forward Harrison Barnes (who also happens to be a free agent this summer) was a no show, the speculation of KD to Golden State is heating up.
According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News:
Durant makes perfect sense for a Warriors team looking to bounce back in 2016-17 and reclaim its standing atop the NBA mountain.
If KD is only interested in securing a ring as “easy” as possible, joining the Warriors makes perfect sense. In a vacuum, if he replaces Harrison Barnes the Dubs probably sweep their way to the 2017 NBA championship. The thing is, we don’t play sports in a vacuum. We just witnessed the greatest regular season team ever up 3-1 in the NBA Finals set to be anointed as the greatest team of all time, falter and lose three consecutive games. Also, KD’s Thunder team was one game away from beating those same Warriors and playing in the NBA Finals. You just never know what can happen.
If I were to speculate, KD just wants to be courted like all major free agents do and this is his earned opportunity to see what’s out there. My guess is, sticking with Westbrook, Adams, Ibaka, Waiters and the only franchise he’s ever known, will win out at the end of the day. Oh, and they also can pay him the most money.
But this is sports the best reality show going, and at this time of year, it’s always best to heed the advice of the great Marvin Gaye. “Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.”