Kevin Durant will be entering free agency this week after opting out, setting up a wild summer for one of the NBA’s best players even after the Golden State Warriors star ruptured his Achilles in the NBA Finals earlier this year.
So we’re here to help the forward make his decision (as we did last year for LeBron James). Throughout the week, we’ll break down each of the teams — including the pros, cons, roster makeups, ownership situations and more — who could be pitching him. We started with the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets and now we’re focusing on him staying with Golden State. Let’s make the case for them.
Roster situation
The Warriors are reportedly going to offer Klay Thompson a max deal, and assuming he takes it, he and Curry will be back together for a few more years. Other than those two, it’s the final year of Draymond Green’s and Andre Iguodala’s contracts and there aren’t too many other players on the roster. So Durant returning would mean the team would have a HUGE amount in taxes (ESPN projected that keeping Durant, Thompson and Kevon Looney would result in over $200 million in luxury taxes) and depth issues. But it would keep together starting lineup that’s been together for three straight finals.
The positives
It’s simple: Durant gets to recover and then continue to be a part of a dynasty that will continue to contend for a ring year after year. If he wants more rings, this is route to them.
The negatives
If he cares about legacy (see below) this is the move that might hurt it the most. Plus, was he really happy with the team after he and Green got into it? That seemed to smooth itself out as the year went on, so maybe that’s in the past.
Ownership/front office
As stable as any situation in the NBA, especially with this news on Friday:
X-factors
The only two I can think of is he can get more money by re-signing than by leaving, and he gets to play in a new arena next year.
Legacy
Will fans get on him for staying in a comfortable situation surrounded by two other megastars? Even if that’s not fair, it’s going to happen if he stays.
How the Warriors should pitch him
“You’re really going to leave a dynasty that we’ll keep together no matter the cost in exchange for the struggle that will come if you go to either New York team or the Clippers? C’mon. Who cares about legacy? At the end of the day, all people remember is the number of rings you have. And you’ll have a lot more if you stick around.”
