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Kevin Durant will seemingly only leave to join the New York Knicks

By Nathan Beighle

OAKLAND, CA - FEBRUARY 2: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors smiles before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 2, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - FEBRUARY 2: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors smiles before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 2, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Kevin Durant wants in the spotlight, but he wants in it by himself. In LA, he doesn’t get that. With the New York Knicks, he would.

Let’s assume that the Golden State Warriors don’t three-peat. If they accomplish the rare three-peat, it seems more likely that Kevin Durant stays in the Bay to continue the dynasty he helped create.

If they don’t, the free agency period of 2019 could be where their superteam starts to disolve. It’d all start with Kevin Durant, who might leave for New York. The LA Lakers were also considered a team in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes.

However, Frank Isola, a national NBA writer for the Athletic, believes Durant would leave the Bay mainly due to the superstardom of Stephen Curry.

"“The feeling is that if Durant were to leave the Warriors he would do so to escape the shadow of Stephen Curry.”"

When Durant joined the Warriors, he knew what he was getting himself into. He knew he’d never be loved like Stephen Curry is. He was alright with that because it meant finding success that couldn’t be obtained anywhere else.

If he wants to out of the shadow of another, the move would be to join the Knicks, who have been one of the league’s worst franchises over the last few seasons. In LA, he’d be in the King’s town, and if he stays in Golden State, he’d continue to battle Curry for the much-deserved attention.

He’s found that success, winning two back-to-back championships since his arrival in the Bay. For Durant, it might be time to move on though. The 30-year-old has about half a decade left of his prime and seemingly wants to leave a legacy not overshadowed by another NBA legend.

Durant is playing some of the best basketball of his career right now. Averaging 27.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists, Durant has been on another level this season. He’s a huge part of the Warriors’ success, helping the team to the best record in the Western Conference.

Every year in Golden State Durant has grown more comfortable, seeing both his scoring and assists average increase over the past three seasons. Instead of seeing his growth as a player, many just see the Batman in this story, Stephen Curry, as the team’s go-to player.

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Durant needs his own place to win, and in the Big Apple, he could make waves on a national scale. If he leaves, this could certainly be the move for Durant.

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