Kurtenbach
rant’s caliber, but the Dubs are one of them. They have big-money contracts to match Durant’s salary and young players that would make a deal somewhat worth Brooklyn’s time.
The notion of him returning to the Warriors is not a pipe dream. It could happen.
I just don’t see it going down.
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2023 with pending free agents
Not only was there serious awkwardness (and that’s being generous) in Durant’s final year(s) in Golden State, but the Warriors’ title this season was the manifestation of the organization’s grand plan to win now and later.
I don’t think they’d give up on that plan now that they’re atop the NBA.
But that’s not to say they won’t discuss it, perhaps even with the Nets.
The Warriors always want more, and as truly great as Andrew Wiggins was in the postseason, and as tantalizing as James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga might be as prospects, getting the Super Villains back together would be great business on and off the court for the Dubs.
And remember, that was Plan A. This whole two timelines deal was Plan B, for Brooklyn, enacted when Durant opted to leave the Bay.
Ultimately, though, the decision lies with Durant. If Irving leaves Brooklyn and the Nets don’t receive anything of championship-contender quality
in return, the all-time great wing would be the one who would have to demand a trade.
Obviously, the Warriors wouldn’t be the only interested team in arguably the greatest scorer in NBA history.
Small-market teams wouldn’t stand much of a chance of landing Durant — despite being signed until 2026, he’ll call his shot on where he wants to go, should things come to that.
I can see the Heat,
Bulls, Clippers, Celtics, Mavericks and Hawks making a push for Durant.
While the Warriors might have a better trade package than any of those
teams, those would be attractive destinations for Durant.
Ultimately, when Durant left the Bay, he burned the bridges. He still complains about me and the media here. The way he left rubbed a lot of people in the Warriors organization the wrong way. The players might have love for him, still, but I don’t think they miss the passive-aggressiveness that came with his oncourt greatness.
That’s not to say those bridges can’t be rebuilt, but I can’t imagine why they would be when there are so many other outstanding places he can go.*