NBA Rumors: Warriors ‘Significant Frontrunners’ To Sign Kevin Durant
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
There’s still a lot of basketball left to be played in the 2015-16 NBA season, but the rumors NBA free agency this summer are already starting to swirl around the league. Superstar Kevin Durant will be the most sought-after player on the open market come July 1 with plenty of teams interested in his services.
Although the Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Washington Wizards will take their shot at signing Durant, the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors may have the clear advantage in bringing in the veteran small forward.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the Warriors are considered the frontrunners to land Durant in free agency:
The Golden State Warriors’ plan of pursuit predates their 2015 championship run, a bold plot to declare the futility of resistance. It isn’t only that the NBA champions are determined to recruit Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant. The truth is that they’re the most intriguing destination to him. If Durant leaves the Thunder, the Warriors are the significant frontrunners to sign him, league sources told The Vertical.
A few days ago, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said the Lakers might have the edge in luring Durant in free agency with the prospect of current Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook possibly landing in Los Angeles in 2017. The rumor was a popular topic of discussion around the NBA, but Durant heading to Golden State to create a super team seems like a plausible scenario in comparison to the star forward moving to Los Angeles to lead a rebuilding process with D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, and Julius Randle.
Although anything can happen between now and the start of free agency on July 1, it seems as though Durant has many intriguing options to consider once his contract with the Thunder expires. Re-signing with Oklahoma City on a lucrative long-term deal seems like the most likely scenario, but Golden State or another destination may be too good to pass up on five months from now.
As is, the Warriors are favored to win an NBA title this season with 6/5 odds, according to Sportsbook.ag. Golden State could be the favorite for the next few years with Stephen Curry and company potentially being a dynasty in the making. Adding Durant into the mix could make the Warriors virtually unbeatable for years to come.
