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2019 NBA Free Agency: 6 options for the Golden State Warriors if Kevin Durant leaves

By Nathan Beighle

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 29: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the second half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 29, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 29: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the second half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 29, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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(Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Rudy Gay

Throughout his career, Rudy Gay has never gotten the widespread success he deserves. The forward went on a ten-year long streak of averaging over 17 points per game. He’s a gifted scorer and would be the perfect replacement for Durant.

At the end of his career, Gay likely won’t be asking for too much money. He was on a one-year contract that was valued at just over $10 million this past season. That said, his new contract could be under eight figures which would be a steal for Golden State.

This past season, Gay averaged 13.7 points per game. While that’s not overly outstanding, the fact that he did it on a career-high 50.4% shooting is. The Warriors have become used to having a highly-efficient small forward. They’d get that back with Gay.

There’s not a single player in the league that can replace Durant. He’s arguably the most gifted scorer to ever play the game and can get buckets at will. Gay would be a good starting point for the Dubs though.

If the price is right, Gay would be the quintessential addition given his ability to score all over the floor and defend bigger forwards. A Gay-Curry-Thompson-Green-Cousins starting lineup would be every bit as lethal as the Dubs current NBA Finals starting lineup.

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