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Golden State Warriors not ranked as favorite to sign Kevin Durant this summer

By Nathan Beighle

LAS VEGAS, NV- OCTOBER 10: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors on October 10, 2018 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV- OCTOBER 10: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors on October 10, 2018 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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According to oddsmakers, the Los Angeles Lakers, not the Golden State Warriors, are the favorite to land Kevin Durant this offseason.

Oddshark released their most recent lines for who will sign Kevin Durant this offseason. The LA Lakers topped the list and were followed by the Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks.

This all started when LeBron James, who many consider the league’s best player, opted to join the Lakers last offseason. His decision shook the NBA and made the Lakers a powerhouse once again. That type of addition brought unparalleled attention to LA.

On top of attention, it made the Lakers a free agent hotspot once again. When LeBron James signed, he knew what he was getting himself into. Without much help, James has been recruiting, and one of his targets will undoubtedly be Kevin Durant.

What the Warriors have is a potential three-peat on their hands though. It’s difficult to see Kevin Durant leaving the Bay Area if he wins a third ring, and at this point, it seems likely that they’ll get the job done.

Rumors have been spread about Durant joining both the Lakers and Knicks this offseason, yet nothing solid has been released from Kevin Durant himself.

The thought process for the oddsmakers is that even if the Warriors do win a ring, Durant might opt to leave. Why? Well, mainly because Durant is easily a top-five player in the league yet fails to be earning a max contract.

The Lakers can offer him that. The Warriors most likely will not be able to if he requests a max. That and the vibrant LA nightlife combined with the likelihood of teaming up with arguably the greatest to ever play the game.

Durant is in the middle of a career-year with the Warriors. He’s averaging a stat line that’s unmatched throughout the league. Over 28 points, seven rebounds and six assists per game combine to make him the only player so versatile in all three areas.

He’s a valued commodity. Not many teams can part ways with Kevin Durant and still be a championship contender. While that might make Durant sound less impactful, it might actually be the opposite. Durant has a usage percentage similar to the ones he posted during his days in OKC.

Next. Warriors: 3 bench pieces to target in the trade market. dark

Overall, Durant should be happy with his current position, and if the money isn’t a factor, he should be returning to Golden State next season.

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