The Golden State Warriors are optimistic they can keep Kevin Durant this summer. A third straight title and a new team arena are their main selling points to convince the two-time Finals MVP to stay. However, there are speculations that Durant is planning to leave the Warriors to join either the New York Knicks or the Los Angeles Lakers. According to The Athletic's Frank Isola, should KD choose to join another team, one of the reasons will be to step out of Stephen Curry's shadow.

The dark horse is the Los Angeles Lakers, who struck out on Paul George and Leonard last summer and failed to acquire Davis before the trade deadline. The feeling is that if Durant were to leave the Warriors he would do so to escape the shadow of Stephen Curry. So joining LeBron in L.A. doesn’t make sense.

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Durant has been heavily criticized since joining the Warriors, and a lot of people believe that the only reason for him to redeem himself is to be the undisputed leader in another team. He obviously cannot do that with the Warriors, as Curry is the heart and soul of that team, The Lakers would not be an option either, as LeBron is currently the cornerstone of that team.

The only option for him will be the Knicks, who are preparing to make a big splash this summer. They have cleared enough space to sign two superstars to max deals. In addition, they can also land collegiate sensation Zion Williamson in the draft.

However, all these are pure rumors. As of now, the best scenario for Durant will be to stay with Golden State if he wants to keep winning.