The Kevin Durant rumors will not stop. The current Oklahoma City Thunder star is preparing to be a free agent in the coming offseason and while he has remained tight lipped about his intentions this summer, every team in the league is lining up to pitch the former MVP. Several teams in the league have been preparing their salary cap to take on a max contract for Durant. While the Lakers and Knicks have been viewed as favorites, could the Golden State Warriors sneak up and sign him?
Do the rich get richer in the NBA? According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports they do. The NBA Insider is reporting that the Warriors have emerged as "significant frontrunners" to sign Durant in the offseason if he decides to leave Oklahoma. Wojnarowski believes that if the Thunder fall short of winning the NBA championship, Durant will leave and Golden State will be ready. The team will have Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala under contract for the coming season. Durant joining that would be an upgraded twist to what the Miami Heat had with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
Wojnarowski stresses that the Thunder are in no means out of the race to retain Durant. They can offer him the most money and already have established stars in Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka. The issue is that has not been good enough to win a championship and the Thunder have faltered to make improvements to change that. They tried to acquire Pau Gasol who passes them up for the Chicago Bulls. Durant's star power does not appear to be enough to get others to join in Oklahoma City. The roster makeup of the team could play a big role in whether or not Durant returns.
According to Wojnarowski, the Washington Wizards, Knicks, Lakers, and Miami Heat all stand an equal chance at acquiring Durant. Carmelo Anthony and John Wall have both stated their desire to recruit the former MVP to their respective teams. Everyone will have the salary cap space to make it work. One thing is certain, Durant wants to win a championship. The Thunder have not been able to provide him with that opportunity. A team like the Warriors certainly could. The Knicks might stand a chance as well. The Lakers are a longshot in the coming season. If Durant wants to win right away, Golden State could end up being the best spot to sign.
