The Golden State Warriors managed to topple the Boston Celtics in six games to capture their first championship of the decade. Is it possible Kevin Durant will throw a wrench in this potential rivalry?
The Celtics are a young team that is expected to achieve prolonged success in this league. With the Warriors looking like they are back in dynasty mode — is it a stretch to believe they’ll meet again in the NBA Finals one day?
Not at all.
Yet, if Durant joins the Celtics, the NBA’s power balance would shake once again.
Durant is no stranger to forcing his way into historic rivalries. While the Dubs certainly will not complain about their championships in 2017 and 2018, I think most basketball fans can acknowledge the incredible rivalry forming between Golden State and Cleveland was… well, affected by Durant joining the Warriors.
Could the Warriors find themselves on the other side of the aisle this time?
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics are in talks to acquire Durant.
Woj reported on ESPN that Boston’s interest in Durant is real and they’ve been willing to discuss including Jaylen Brown in a potential swap.
The Golden State Warriors should be worried about the potential for Kevin Durant to end up on the Boston Celtics next season.
For the Brooklyn Nets, a return of Brown and various picks, and depth pieces is the best package you could realistically ask for.
While it is unclear just how serious these talks have become — it is fair to say the Nets are knocking on the door of an offer they can not refuse.
OK, so let’s say Durant joins the Celtics? What does this mean for the Warriors?
Well, the road to back-to-back championships would become much harder.
KD is one of maybe five players in the league who are capable of putting a team over the top just on his own. If the Celtics maintain a sense of depth to go along with the wing duo of Durant and Jayson Tatum? Yikes.
I’d never be one to count the Warriors out but a rematch of the 2022 NBA Finals, only with Durant on the other side, would not be an ideal scenario.