Kevin Durant continues to deny reports of a Warriors’ disbanding
Kevin Durant continues to shut down rumors that the Golden State Warriors are going to disband following this season.
Whether just one takes off or both, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson are each up for a new contract this offseason, and the Golden State Warriors can’t pay everyone. It’s also known that Thompson doesn’t expect to take a pay cut and the Warriors don’t expect to force him into one.
Durant, who is already taking less than the max, might finally be up for his max contract. That would force him elsewhere. However, he’s under the impression that those that say they’ll be breaking up don’t understand the true chemistry inside the organization.
Durant told NBC Sports’ Monte Poole that the rumors are just “propaganda.”
"“Those people don’t get basketball, really,” Durant said after practice. “They don’t understand what goes in the facility or with the team. They’ve never been a part of it. It’s just their job. And it’s propaganda. That’s what their bosses are telling them to talk about.“So they’re going to give their best perspective and opinions, and we’re just going to play the game.”"
It’s still about six months away, but Durant, who will be the biggest free agent in 2019 assuming he rejects his player option, could shift the dynamic of the entire league. If he headed to LA, James and Durant could create the league’s best 1-2 punch of all time.
However, Durant could legitimately be looking at winning his third straight ring this season. How would you leave an organization following a three-peat? Add on the fact that the Warriors had a historically great team without Durant, and it clear his presence aren’t needed for success.
They have astronomically helped though. This season, when Curry missed eleven consecutive games, Durant led the team, scoring 50+ points once and 40+ on multiple occasions. Without Curry, he’s the clear leader.
This team, as David West has detailed before, doesn’t have one leader. They lead by committee, which, for the sake of Durant’s continued presence in Golden State, is a good thing. Each star, along with Durant, has a say.
This offseason will, nonetheless, be an interesting one. Does Durant value winning enough to take an even bigger pay cut? Could they trade Andre Iguodala for an expiring contract to free up cap space?
Next. Three 2019 free agents the Warriors should be targeting. dark
What does Golden State have to do to keep the Big 4 together?