Here locally in Northern California, this isn’t necessarily surprising news. Rumors started up during the 2014-15 season that the Golden State Warriors were one of the teams Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant would consider leaving his current team for when he hits free agency next summer.
Now comes this report from Sam Amick of Fox Sports indicating that the Warriors are on the short list of teams Durant would be willing to sign with next summer:
Sam Amick on if the Warriors could lure Kevin Durant here "Yes, they are on the short list of teams."
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) July 7, 2015
There isn’t necessarily an avenue for the Warriors to pursue here as it relates to clearing up cap room to sign Durant. While other organizations have made it clear to work the cap years in advance of big-name players potentially hitting the free-agent market, the Warriors are not in position to do this.
First off, they are coming off a NBA championship. Any addition to the talent-laden roster would be seen as icing on the cake.
Secondly, Golden State will have the capability of moving a couple big contracts next summer when the salary cap is slated to go up. Following this upcoming season, Andrew Bogut will have one year and $11 million remaining on his deal. Meanwhile, 2015 NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala will have one year and $11.1 million left on his contract. Both deals will be movable.
The larger question here is whether Golden State will show interest in Durant. Draymond Green signed a near-max deal with the team earlier this month. MVP Stephen Curry will also get a max deal at some point in the not-so-distant future—a deal that could reach $30 million annually.
Golden State has shown that it’s not afraid to spend money. It just remains to be seen whether Durant would be a fit a year from now.
Photo: USA Today Sports