Two years ago, Kevin Durant's decision to join the Golden State Warriors caused a seismic event in the NBA world. Just one month after the Cavaliers' improbable victory over the 73-9 Warriors in the NBA Finals, Durant's move to Golden State all but ensured the Warriors were guaranteed to win the NBA title for the next several years.
So far, this has been the case, as the Warriors have dominated all opponents en route to two consecutive titles. The relationship between Kevin Durant and the Warriors has been mutually beneficial: Durant has been able to shed his perception of not being a winner, and the Warriors have added two more championships to their trophy case.
However, there may be trouble in paradise.
Kevin Durant entered a public rift with fellow Warriors star Draymond Green, in which the latter hurled profanities at the former. According to a report by The Athletic's Marcus Thompson, Green questioned the Warriors need for Durant, even going as far as to suggest that Durant had already determined that he would be leaving the team following this season. Durant has kept his free agency and the process of his decision close to the vest for now, but with tempers flaring internally, it may be time for him to look at other destinations.
Many seem to believe that if he does leave the Warriors, Durant will elect to sign with a big-market, high-visibility team like the Lakers or Knicks. While both of these are attractive options for very different reasons, Durant could also choose to take his talents elsewhere, sending another shockwave through the NBA.
Here are three early dark horse destinations for KD this offseason.
1. Brooklyn Nets
In case you forgot, there are two teams in the Big Apple. The Nets haven't been a player on the national stage since acquiring aging veterans for a failed last-ditch title run in 2014, but they've slowly begun to right the wrongs of the Billy King era. They've been extremely shrewd and savvy in the trade market, taking bad (but soon to be expiring) contracts in exchange for draft picks and some younger, promising talent. The Nets currently have a roster filled with potential, including former #2 overall pick D'Angelo Russell. Brooklyn is also home to Caris LeVert, a player who seems to be on the verge of breaking out, a la Victor Oladipo from a season ago.
Brookyln may not be ready to compete for a title right away, and that will likely factor into Durant's decision. But, if he's willing to work with some young players who are on the brink of taking the next step, he could be a huge part of something special. The Nets haven't made the playoffs since 2015, but adding Kevin Durant should immediately change that. By choosing Brooklyn, Durant could have all of the attention and coverage that comes with playing in New York, but without the dysfunction and less-than-patient fanbase that comes with playing for the Knicks.
2. Los Angeles Clippers
Out of the three teams listed in this article, this team seems like the most realistic option. The Clippers are a team with all of the tools to compete, except for a true superstar. They have one of the league's best coaches in Doc Rivers, great supplementary talent like Tobias Harris and Lou Williams, and young players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who could benefit from a few deep runs in the playoffs. Add in arguably the best executive in the league, Jerry West, and you have a team tailor made for a superstar to take to the next level.
If Kevin Durant chooses the Clippers, he could remain in California, a state he has expressed his love for living in on multiple occasions. Durant would also be able to play in LA, and also even in the Staples Center, without the shadow of LeBron James. If Durant elects to sign with the Lakers, he and James will constantly be compared and scrutinized in discussions of who the team's true leader is. After leaving a similar dynamic with the Thunder and Russell Westbrook, the Clippers would give Durant all the spoils of LA, but with his own team to lead to glory.
3. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are one of the more interesting teams in the NBA, especially since the departure of Paul George. When George was dealt to OKC before the 2017-18 season, the Pacers received Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis in return. At the time, many thought that Oklahoma City were the clear winners of the trade. After all, Oladipo was considered a third option at best and Sabonis was an unproven second year player who had yet to make his mark. After the events of last season, the perception of the trade has changed completely. Oladipo has blossomed into a bonafide superstar and Sabonis is one of the league's more promising young players.
The Pacers will have a lot of cap space heading into next season, and that gives them the opportunity to splash the cash. What better way to make use of the money than to bring in one of the best players of all time? Durant would elevate the Pacers to the Eastern Conference's elite, among the likes of Boston and Philadelphia. Oladipo and Durant would be able to play together, a plan initially devised by the Thunder before Durant left in 2016. Adding Durant would make any team in the NBA a playoff contender, but adding him to a very talented Pacers team makes them a title contender. If he can live with being in a smaller market again, Kevin Durant could do a lot of damage as a member of the Pacers.
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