The Golden State Warriors might have lost star forward Kevin Durant to the Brooklyn Nets in free agency. But the five-time defending Western Conference champs are still looking to acquire something for him.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Nets All-Star guard D’Angelo Russell is of strong interest to the Warriors.
Already capped out after signing Klay Thompson to a five-year, $190 million contract, Golden State would have to work out a sign-and-trade with Brooklyn. The idea would be to take on Russell’s contract in exchange for Durant’s deal.
This is allowed under NBA salary cap rules. To put it in layman’s terms, Golden State would create a max-level traded-player exception by moving Durant in a sign-and-trade.
The Warriors would likely have to include draft pick compensation to Brooklyn in order to entice the Nets.
It would also be an interesting pairing with the above-mentioned Thompson and Stephen Curry in Golden State. Though, Thompson could easily move to small forward to replace Durant.