MANILA, Philippines – Former NBA MVP Kevin Durant is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and the Golden State Warriors are reportedly "the significant frontrunners" to sign him in the event he leaves Oklahoma City, according to a report by Yahoo! Sports.
The report, which was written by the well-respected Adrian Wojnarowski, indicated Durant "isn’t close to gone in Oklahoma City – no decision, no leaning, sources said – but the real threats on the summer market are beginning to reveal themselves."
Yahoo reported that Durant, 27, wants to play for a championship-contending team. The Warriors can obviously offer that, given that they're the league's defending champions and look like they're on their way to another championship after compiling a 44-4 record as of Wednesday, February 3.
The report also said that versatile Golden State player Draymond Green is expected to be a "tenacious recruiter of Durant for the Warriors’ contingent," and that Durant is "forever searching for spiritual people in his life," making the prospect of playing with Steph Curry, the league’s reigning MVP, attractive.
In the Yahoo report, it's mentioned that Curry will be the "most dangerous recruiter in the world" during Durant’s free agency because of his "prodigious talent, peaceful soul, and grounded life."
Wojnarowski also said other franchises will be chasing Durant, including his hometown team Washington, Houston, Miami, and the Los Angeles Clippers.
The report indicated the Clippers are willing to part with All-Star big man Blake Griffin (an Oklahoma City native) if it can land Durant, in a possible sign-and-trade.
But as of now, Durant is "all in" with the Thunder and "hell-bent" on winning the Western Conference – something the team will do if they can get past the Warriors. Both teams have yet to play this season.
Wojnarowski also reports Durant "has always been looking for reasons to stay [in OKC]. He adores the Oklahoma City community and holds a fondness for the franchise, but Durant is chasing championships, chasing a legacy."
Durant, who was just named the NBA’s Western Conference Player of the Month, is averaging 27.2 points, 8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists a game this season. – Rappler.com