No. 1: Kevin Durant
2017-2018 per game stats: 26.4 PTS, 6.8 REB, 5.4 AST
The breakup of the Golden State Warriors is inevitable. That much is certain. There’s just no telling when it will happen, though next summer seems as good and likely a time as any.
Klay Thompson and Boogie Cousins are both set to become free agents next July, and Kevin Durant could join that list of Golden State starters if he opts-out of his player option. Thompson is expected to re-sign with the Warriors on a new contract, and Cousins’ future is unknown. And unfortunately, if you’re looking for signs about Durant’s future aspirations, they’re few and far between.
A four-time scoring champion, the LA Clippers would be wise to want to have Durant’s services available to them. According to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, it seems the franchise has already made their plans clear:
"“The Clippers, who can provide a max salary, are one of Butler’s preferred destinations. The Clippers are also expected to be in the mix next summer for the services of Toronto Raptors All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard and Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant.”"
Durant is arguably one of the most gifted players in NBA history, and routinely falls behind only LeBron James in discussions about who the league’s best player is today. Landing him in Los Angeles would be historic in and of itself, and would also put the league’s two best players in the same city.
One thing that fans have been quick to point out is Durant’s love for the city of Seattle, and his advocation for the creation of another franchise in Washington state. In fact, late last week, Durant rocked a Seattle Supersonics jersey in his return to to the state capital for a preseason game against the Sacramento Kings.
The LA Clippers have been rumored to be one of the franchises that could be relocated to Seattle in the near future. In that case, the likelihood that Durant joins the team seems even higher.
Regardless of where the Clippers are playing basketball for the next five years, Durant’s talents would be more than welcomed by fans.