Steph Curry (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Kevin Durant just played his first game at Oakland as part of the Golden State Warriors although he was representing Team USA.
While he has yet to don the blue and white of the Warriors in an official game, there are already rumors on how the team would implode.
From a video feature from Bleacher Report Insider Ric Bucher (which he titled "Insider Buzz") and he mentioned that the other 29 teams are hoping the chemistry between Durant and Curry would be "poisonous."
He also mentioned that "one team" is preparing for it. The catch is that when Kevin Durant takes the crunch time shots that Curry used to take, the reigning, unanimous MVP will not take it lightly.
The team, described as "a title contender" has the intention of poaching Curry with the hook "Come to us and you can be the man once more."
Bucher did not name the team but for the sake of discussion, here are some wild guesses. These are purely speculative based on the very limited info on the video (which is also speculative in itself). There are no "multiple sources close to the situation" in this exercise.
The definition of "contender" may be too broad and the Dallas Mavericks may be one team that could make this attempt. They have a definite need at point guard, and Curry will definitely be "the man" in that team even if Dirk Nowitzki is there.
It's also not too hard to imaging Mark Cuban swinging for the fences that way. Cuban already traded for former Warrior Andrew Bogut, signed Harrison Barnes and even Steph Curry's brother, Seth. The Mavs have virtually rolled out the red carpet for reigning MVP.
A closer definition of contender would be the LA Clippers. Doc Rivers has studied the Golden State Warriors, their Pacific rivals extensively and he may have come to the conclusion that there really is no way to beat them (despite his statements to the contrary).
Rivers may also be preparing (or has accepted) for the impending departure of Chris Paul. Even if he keeps Blake Griffin, Steph would still be the first option. He may also have a "Splash Brother" in waiting with JJ Redick.
One contender in the East (at least in Pat Riley's eyes) is the Miami Heat. This kind of move is a "Godfather" play. Riley has become successful by exploring all possibilities and being prepared to exploit any opportunity even before it presents itself.
In an SB Nation article by Tom Ziller, it was insinuated that letting Wade walk was a prelude to a plan for team's future and that includes pursuing 2017 free agents. While they did mention that "Curry is unlikely to leave Golden State" we should remember that Riley plucked LeBron James from his hometown team in 2010.
