While chatter has increased over the past couple of days that Kevin Durant could join the LA Clippers, Kendrick Perkins really ignited the conversation.
The Kevin Durant to the LA Clippers conversation is one that didn’t seem very plausible just a few weeks ago. Yes, Durant had praised this feisty Clippers squad as his Golden State Warriors knocked them out of the first round, but there didn’t seem to be much doubt that KD would be heading to The Big Apple this summer.
Now, we aren’t so certain. Marc Stein’s report yesterday that the Clippers were equally dangerous to sign Durant coupled with his manager, Rich Kleinman saying that he was 100% undecided has sparked some hope in Clipper Nation. Now, Kendrick Perkins has added fuel to that spark.
In an interview with Kristine Leahy that will premiere June 4th and 5th, Perkins said the following:
"“Don’t be surprised if KD signs with the Clippers. Everybody keeps screaming New York, but do not be surprised if KD signs and goes (to) play for Doc… I don’t even have to help recruit him. He likes the organization. He likes Doc Rivers. He loves Doc Rivers. But, me and KD don’t talk about it. He just happened to throw that out there too."
You can view the whole thirty second clip below.
We shot this yesterday... Here’s @KendrickPerkins telling us don’t be surprised if @KDTrey5 (his close friend) winds up with the Clippers. Full two part episodes air June 4th and 5th. pic.twitter.com/R4ZDkCmCaN
— Kristine Leahy (@KristineLeahy) May 22, 2019
Kevin Durant and Kendrick Perkins are known to be tight. The two bonded while on the Oklahoma City Thunder together. Confiding in Perkins about his feeling for Doc makes sense, especially considering Perk was the starting center for Doc’s 2008 championship Boston Celtics.
We speculated that the first round series versus Golden State could help in recruiting Durant and it may have actually worked. Throughout the series, Durant seemingly praised the Clips any chance he got, whether it was Patrick Beverley’s defense or the hustle and intensity of the whole team.
Durant as also complimented both of the team’s rookies (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Landry Shamet) and seeing both making All-Rookie Second Team may help in convincing him to come to LA even more.
There’s still a long while until free agency officially opens on July 1, but getting little tidbits like this has to feel good for Clipper Nation.