Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry (Photo : Ezra Shaw | Getty Images Sport)
It's a nightmare for the 29 other teams in the NBA.
Kevin Durant, one of the best players in the NBA and arguably the best free agent in 2016 (assuming LeBron's not going anywhere) can join any team in the NBA. Even the Golden State Warriors.
The statement that he has the best situation in Oklahoma City is not entirely true. Russell Westbrook is a great teammate, but so is Stephen Curry.
Sporting News claimed that it could actually happen and had the numbers to prove it.
The first factor is the projected rise in the salary cap. From $ 70 million, the number could inflate to $ 89 million. That "allows them to pursue Durant without sacrificing any players or assets beforehand." If Durant declines the proposal, the Warriors will keep their roster intact.
Durant's first year-maximum salary is estimated at around $ 25 million and assuming the Oklahoma City Thunder would not facilitate a sign-and-trade deal with their Conference rival (why would they?), the Warriors need to clear enough cap space.
They can actually achieve this because of Stephen Curry's 12 million salary, by far the best bargain in the league (even before he became MVP). However, as the figures illustrate, they may have to trade Andrew Bogut, Andre Iguodala. That won't be too difficult as they would be expiring contracts. Then, they choose to retain their restricted free agents Harrison Barnes and Festus Ezeli.
Because of the Bird Rights, the salary cap holds of these two players are only 9 million and 5 million respectively.
Despite this scenario, not all the Warriors fans are in favor of such a move. Golden Gate Sports mentioned that the Warriors' chemistry would be tarnished and the nature of Kevin Durant's injury (he is sidelined again) raises doubts that he might have end up like Derrick Rose.
Still, s Curry-Durant tandem and getting to keep Klay and Draymond. That's a dream lineup that will bring nightmares to opposing teams.
