Several months ago I interviewed Jerry West
and featured my story about his contributions to
the Golden State Warriors in his consultant role.
Proud of the Warriors
’
success, he concluded the
interview by saying the team had the money to
go after the No. 1 free agent this summer
regardless of who that would be.
Today there
’
s no doubt that the Warriors
’
target
is Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City
’
s star who is a
free agent.
Had the Warriors won their second straight
championship they might have internally
debated whether it was wise to alter the
chemistry of a championship team by bringing
in someone who would need the ball pretty
often.
However, the Warriors lost the final three games
to the Cleveland Cavaliers last week, making
them certain they
’
d like to have Durant.
“
It
’
s certain they
’
re going after him,
”
a well
informed NBA source told me.
“
He has a lot of
options but it
’
s also certain he
’
s going to meet
with them.
”
Another team expected to compete for Durant is
San Antonio. The Spurs are an elite
organization, so well respected that anyone on
their list is likely to listen carefully to their bid.
It
’
s been speculated that Durant might decide to
stay in Oklahoma City another season. One year
from now superstar teammate Russell
Westbrook will be a free agent and they could
join a new team together.
But Durant leaving now is the most likely
outcome.
The Warriors had eight free agents on their
roster this season and some will be leaving. But
imagine Durant being on the same team as Steph
Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
Free agency begins July 1.
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