Kevin Durant has made a name for himself as a legitimate superstar in the NBA. KD is playing out the last year of his contract and is set to become the most sought after free agent since LeBron James was a few years back. Many teams have created cap space so they can make a push to sign Durant with some believing the Lakers would be his future landing spot. With Kobe set to retire at the end of the season, if the Lakers add Durant, they would find themself back in the playoffs picture a lot sooner than expected. Durant’s teammate Russell Westbrook has been linked to following Durant to L.A. when he becomes a free agent but is it even likely that KD goes there?
According to BleacherReport, Adrian Wojnarowski feels Durant is eyeing a championship with his next contract in mind.
Washington and the Lakers, they are not frontrunners for [Durant]. He wants to win a championship. If he leaves Oklahoma – he may end up staying there – Golden State is the team that is worrisome for Oklahoma City. That’s the team that has [Durant’s] attention … [Durant] wants to win a Championship right away. Either he wants to do that in Oklahoma City, with the group they have, or he’s going to go somewhere he can win a title right away. …
If [Durant] leaves Oklahoma – if he leaves – he wants to be ready to win a Championship right away. He’s at a point in his career [where] he can’t wait 2-3 years or wait for a team to build or hope that it happens.
Part of his criteria, sources tell me: Is that team good enough to beat Golden State with me on it? Or is it Golden State? Or can I stay in Oklahoma and continue to compete for a Championship? The thing with the Thunder is, you never know how close you might be to a title. It’s very true … Are they good enough defensively?
[A few sentences later] I just don’t think the Lakers are a real significant factor for [Durant].
I agree with part of what Wjo said. No, I don’t think Durant will sign with the Lakers, I’m not sure if anyone can handle the pressure of following Kobe Bryant as the face of the Lakers after he’s done it for 20 years. I also can’t see him signing with Golden State either unless they moved one of their 3 stars.
We know Steph Curry isn’t going anywhere and with the huge irreplaceable role Draymond Green has, I think he is a lock to be around for a few years as well. That leaves Klay Thompson who is a great shooter and legit defender. As of today Durant is a better player but why would Golden State break up a team that won the NBA Championship last year and are on pace to possible beat the Bulls 72-10 record? My views are if it aint broke don’t fix it and there is nothing broke about this Warriors roster.