[JDB12Participant]

Maybe this is a stupid question and I could be completely wrong thinking this, but do the Warriors even want to sign KD this summer?  In my opinion, Durant is one of the three best players in the world and is arguably the greatest scoring threat of all-time, so who wouldn’t want a player like that on their team?  With that said, if the Warriors bring home a second consecutive title, do they want to mess with what they’ve got?  Things that make the Warriors so successful is their selflessness, ball movement, awareness and acceptance of roles, coaching, and chemistry.  And if a superstar scorer who often thrives off of isolation were to join, it obviously would alter roles, ball movement, coaching style, and chemistry.  And we don’t know if the change would be positive or negative until it happens.  But if Durant were to sign with Golden State, that’s another 20+ shots per game that he takes when GSW already has two other players who already put up 15-20+ shots per game each.  Fortunately, none of the Warriors really demand shots, have huge egos or attitude problems.  They’re just happy as long as they’re winning and playing well, no matter who gets shots.  And if Durant signed, I’d assume Barnes would not be back, and Durant filling in for Barnes is an obvious upgrade at that position.  But like I said before, ball movement is a huge part of the Warriors success, so would Durant want to do more isolation or would be buy into moving the ball.  I feel like a major reason Durant has been big on isolation is because he has never really been able to trust his teammates to score (aside from Westbrook).  If he were in a Warriors offense that he knew moved the ball and could knock down open shots, do you see him playing into that and start seeing less isolations from him?  It’s hard to say that Durant on any team would hurt them, but right now, it’s hard to be any better than where the Warriors are right now.  But it also seems hard to believe having the leagues three best shooters would hurt.  And adding another player who can be a primary ball handler so either Steph or Durant can play off the ball for each other seems pretty deadly.  

 I just want to know what you guys think about Durant playing for the Warriors: things that could go right or wrong.  And does winning a title or not have an impact on whether they sign him or not?

[TripleDoubleScoutParticipant]

 Well first off, like I heard on Around The Horn today, Durant is one the most unselfish superstars you will ever see, so he will be able to slide right in with GS. Durant may not be as good defensively as Barnes and Iggy combined, but he is not a liability on that side of the floor by any stretch of the imagination. And offensively he would offset what the Ws would lose defensively in letting Barnes and Iggy go. This team would simply be unstoppable, let’s not kid overselves and start overanalyzing.

[TripleDoubleScoutParticipant]

 Well first off, like I heard on Around The Horn today, Durant is one the most unselfish superstars you will ever see, so he will be able to slide right in with GS. Durant may not be as good defensively as Barnes and Iggy combined, but he is not a liability on that side of the floor by any stretch of the imagination. And offensively he would offset what the Ws would lose defensively in letting Barnes and Iggy go. This team would simply be unstoppable, let’s not kid overselves and start overanalyzing.

[giddyup123Participant]

Given KD’s ability (top 4 player), efficiency, selflessness, versatility (to play 2-4 and potentially the 5 in small line-ups), the Warriors would be STUPID to not consider the possibility of making it work. Similarly, Harrison Barnes turned down a 4 year/64 mil contract. If he is still demanding $$ in that range or potentially higher, then I abolutely believe the Dubs need to figure out a way to get KD to the Bay Area at ~7-8 million/year more than Barnes because Durant is that good (and brings that much more to the table than HB) and still only 28 (at the time of the contract)

These arguments about cohesiveness and Durant affecting the meshing of the Warriors (that people bring up) that I’ve seen overplayed in the media seem not as am important to me for 3 reasons: 

1)Durant already plays with one of the most ball-dominant players in the league and manages fine. Curry along with Green (and Thompson to a lesser extent) are arguable better passers, more efficient players, and much more OK with playing off the ball and giving up the ball in their offense than Westbrook.  

2)Durant is SO SO eager for a championship and would most assuredly be okay getting it playing a 1a/1b relationship with Curry (like he does already)

3)He is also a tremendous defender, underrated passer, and high-IQ player that would almost surely be seen with his movements, cuts, D, and play in the Dubs system. His legacy (aside from the "if you can’t beat them, join them" part) would largely be untainted because of all the things people would realize he provides while scoring 21-23 ppg instead of 29. 

Finally though, I think the whole Durant to the Dubs question ultimately comes down to how much GSW would be giving up. I’ve read articles they would likely have to give up/renounce Bogut, Iguodala, and Barnes. To me, with their continual ability to find cheap rotation guys to fit around their core and the likely continued development of guys like Festus and Looney, the last question is (especially if they win a championship this year): How much do they owe/reward Bogut, Iggy, and Barnes for sticking around and showing the loyalty to win 2 championships? 

Just my 2 cents for the factors to be considered going forward with this madness

 

[giddyup123Participant]

Given KD’s ability (top 4 player), efficiency, selflessness, versatility (to play 2-4 and potentially the 5 in small line-ups), the Warriors would be STUPID to not consider the possibility of making it work. Similarly, Harrison Barnes turned down a 4 year/64 mil contract. If he is still demanding $$ in that range or potentially higher, then I abolutely believe the Dubs need to figure out a way to get KD to the Bay Area at ~7-8 million/year more than Barnes because Durant is that good (and brings that much more to the table than HB) and still only 28 (at the time of the contract)

These arguments about cohesiveness and Durant affecting the meshing of the Warriors (that people bring up) that I’ve seen overplayed in the media seem not as am important to me for 3 reasons: 

1)Durant already plays with one of the most ball-dominant players in the league and manages fine. Curry along with Green (and Thompson to a lesser extent) are arguable better passers, more efficient players, and much more OK with playing off the ball and giving up the ball in their offense than Westbrook.  

2)Durant is SO SO eager for a championship and would most assuredly be okay getting it playing a 1a/1b relationship with Curry (like he does already)

3)He is also a tremendous defender, underrated passer, and high-IQ player that would almost surely be seen with his movements, cuts, D, and play in the Dubs system. His legacy (aside from the "if you can’t beat them, join them" part) would largely be untainted because of all the things people would realize he provides while scoring 21-23 ppg instead of 29. 

Finally though, I think the whole Durant to the Dubs question ultimately comes down to how much GSW would be giving up. I’ve read articles they would likely have to give up/renounce Bogut, Iguodala, and Barnes. To me, with their continual ability to find cheap rotation guys to fit around their core and the likely continued development of guys like Festus and Looney, the last question is (especially if they win a championship this year): How much do they owe/reward Bogut, Iggy, and Barnes for sticking around and showing the loyalty to win 2 championships? 

Just my 2 cents for the factors to be considered going forward with this madness

 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Not only would the Warriors add the All-NBA player, they would stop a contending team having him if the Warriors were able to sign him.  They would kill off OKC and send them from a top team in their conference to the lottery, it would also stop the Lakers or someone from building a contender around him.

A center, D Green, Durant, K Thompson, S Curry, shooting and length and skills and multiple championships.

Little risk, more rewards for the Warriors.

Durant would get a bit less money, and he would become hated for being a ringchaser taking the easy way and many fans would not want him or the Warriors to win with the Super Team.  

Warriors gain a great player, Durant loses fans but gets title rings, the other NBA teams fear this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Not only would the Warriors add the All-NBA player, they would stop a contending team having him if the Warriors were able to sign him.  They would kill off OKC and send them from a top team in their conference to the lottery, it would also stop the Lakers or someone from building a contender around him.

A center, D Green, Durant, K Thompson, S Curry, shooting and length and skills and multiple championships.

Little risk, more rewards for the Warriors.

Durant would get a bit less money, and he would become hated for being a ringchaser taking the easy way and many fans would not want him or the Warriors to win with the Super Team.  

Warriors gain a great player, Durant loses fans but gets title rings, the other NBA teams fear this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 How stupid would this whole thing get if KD went to Golden State? Honest to God what the hell would be the point of having an NBA? 

Warriors would be unstoppable. They already score a ridiculous amounts of points and I actually think Durant woud be better in a system like that because it isn’t Iso-driven. He’s one of the best pure shooters in the league, can you imagine how many wide-open shots he’d get? He’d shoot 60-percent from the field, 45-percent from 3 and average 25 points on about 16 shots. 

It would be plain stupid. 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 How stupid would this whole thing get if KD went to Golden State? Honest to God what the hell would be the point of having an NBA? 

Warriors would be unstoppable. They already score a ridiculous amounts of points and I actually think Durant woud be better in a system like that because it isn’t Iso-driven. He’s one of the best pure shooters in the league, can you imagine how many wide-open shots he’d get? He’d shoot 60-percent from the field, 45-percent from 3 and average 25 points on about 16 shots. 

It would be plain stupid. 

 

 

[D7H7NParticipant]

There’s no way they’re giving up Bogut or Iguodala. Bogut is probably the best passing center since Divac was around and Iguodala is the best defensive bench player in the league. No way it’s worth jeopardizing the chemistry of your motion offense to bring in Durant. Barnes I’m okay with him leaving because he wants too much damn money for what he’s worth and the Warriors have shown they can win without him.

 

 

 

 

[D7H7NParticipant]

There’s no way they’re giving up Bogut or Iguodala. Bogut is probably the best passing center since Divac was around and Iguodala is the best defensive bench player in the league. No way it’s worth jeopardizing the chemistry of your motion offense to bring in Durant. Barnes I’m okay with him leaving because he wants too much damn money for what he’s worth and the Warriors have shown they can win without him.

 

 

 

 

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 Bogut and Iguodala or Durant? I think I’d rather have Durant. Besides Ezeli is playing great right now, and he’ll be cheaper. So who needs Bogut.

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 Bogut and Iguodala or Durant? I think I’d rather have Durant. Besides Ezeli is playing great right now, and he’ll be cheaper. So who needs Bogut.

[D7H7NParticipant]

Besides Bogut’s ineffeciencies on offense, there isn’t another 7 footer who can play within a motion offense as well as him. He sets those (illegal) screens well and he’s an excellent passer. 

I’m sure GSW would still be great if they traded their depth for Durant but I don’t see the point of fucking with an already winning formula. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.

[D7H7NParticipant]

Besides Bogut’s ineffeciencies on offense, there isn’t another 7 footer who can play within a motion offense as well as him. He sets those (illegal) screens well and he’s an excellent passer. 

I’m sure GSW would still be great if they traded their depth for Durant but I don’t see the point of fucking with an already winning formula. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.

[BigChamp12Participant]

 When is Steph’s contract up? How much do you all think he will get? 

[BigChamp12Participant]

 When is Steph’s contract up? How much do you all think he will get? 

[Greekballin]

 I would probably stop watching the NBA honestly

[Greekballin]

 I would probably stop watching the NBA honestly

[UncledrewParticipant]

People are actually saying don’t mess up team chemistry to get KEVIN DURANT. Not some Joe blow who were talking about. Of all the superstar players kd is the main one that even the Warriors should press. Sure there 44-4 right now riding an amazing wave and playing great but they will come down to earth eventually. Even the heat looked like they’d win 4 or 5 ships after lebron won the first in miami but then they came back down to earth. Not only is kd a great player but his unselfish attitude, skill set and hunger to win should fit right in to warrior culture. Plus Kd plays off the ball and doesn’t demand as many shots as you’d think. We’re talking about someone who can get 40 points taking under 20 shots, easily. And lastly giving up and aging Igudola and young harrison Barnes should be an easy decision. There impact is miniscule compared to what KD can bring to the team as well as the franchise for the next several years to come. I’m not advocating for super teams but warriors got money and Durant a free agent that can weigh all suitors so if he does consider Dubs I hope they destroy every team while i watch everyone can cry "Cheaters" and "ring chaser". Even though I think he want to stay with Westy, I’m sure playing for warriors look real enticing right now so why not really?

[UncledrewParticipant]

People are actually saying don’t mess up team chemistry to get KEVIN DURANT. Not some Joe blow who were talking about. Of all the superstar players kd is the main one that even the Warriors should press. Sure there 44-4 right now riding an amazing wave and playing great but they will come down to earth eventually. Even the heat looked like they’d win 4 or 5 ships after lebron won the first in miami but then they came back down to earth. Not only is kd a great player but his unselfish attitude, skill set and hunger to win should fit right in to warrior culture. Plus Kd plays off the ball and doesn’t demand as many shots as you’d think. We’re talking about someone who can get 40 points taking under 20 shots, easily. And lastly giving up and aging Igudola and young harrison Barnes should be an easy decision. There impact is miniscule compared to what KD can bring to the team as well as the franchise for the next several years to come. I’m not advocating for super teams but warriors got money and Durant a free agent that can weigh all suitors so if he does consider Dubs I hope they destroy every team while i watch everyone can cry "Cheaters" and "ring chaser". Even though I think he want to stay with Westy, I’m sure playing for warriors look real enticing right now so why not really?

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Nobody would cry "cheaters"…but seriously what would be the point of having an NBA? Its awful already, as at the beginning of every season people can narrow it down to 4 teams that will win the title and are almost always right. 

It would be even worse when a top-3 player goes to the far-and-away best team. 

Like seriously would winning even be enjoyable? 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Nobody would cry "cheaters"…but seriously what would be the point of having an NBA? Its awful already, as at the beginning of every season people can narrow it down to 4 teams that will win the title and are almost always right. 

It would be even worse when a top-3 player goes to the far-and-away best team. 

Like seriously would winning even be enjoyable? 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 If they sign Durant then I think they keep either Bogut or Ezeli or at least Speights.

But, with Durant then they can go ULTRA SMALL with Steph, Klay, Iggy, Durant, and Draymond for the Are You SERIOUS? lineup…

If they can’t keep either Bogut or Ezeli I think they look to draft a center.

But, OF COURSE they could use Durant.  They can plug him in right away.  A GREAT guy to have on the perimeter in their current lineup (to replace Harrison Barnes), and an IDEAL fit if they go small.  

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 If they sign Durant then I think they keep either Bogut or Ezeli or at least Speights.

But, with Durant then they can go ULTRA SMALL with Steph, Klay, Iggy, Durant, and Draymond for the Are You SERIOUS? lineup…

If they can’t keep either Bogut or Ezeli I think they look to draft a center.

But, OF COURSE they could use Durant.  They can plug him in right away.  A GREAT guy to have on the perimeter in their current lineup (to replace Harrison Barnes), and an IDEAL fit if they go small.  

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

If the Warriors sign Durant and lose both Bogut and Ezeli I think they should go after Birdman.  He will be a free agent, is making $5 million this year, but might take a discount.

A high basketball IQ shot blocker and dunk guy who would fit in with their Super Core.

 

 

 

[r377Participant]

If Warriors lose Bogut or Ezeli, I could see them looking to take AJ Hammons in the draft….

[r377Participant]

If Warriors lose Bogut or Ezeli, I could see them looking to take AJ Hammons in the draft….

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

If the Warriors sign Durant and lose both Bogut and Ezeli I think they should go after Birdman.  He will be a free agent, is making $5 million this year, but might take a discount.

A high basketball IQ shot blocker and dunk guy who would fit in with their Super Core.

 

 

 

[lalailaParticipant]

 I think Durant wants to be the best too much to go to GSW. I mean he has great team, that I still believe can win it all this year. Most importantly he has YOUNG team!

When it was only James vs Durant debate no one else, he always adminted he hated to be number 2.

I can guarantee he is still 100% sure he is the best player in the NBA.

I really believe he wants to beat Curry and LeBron more than to join them.

And he has one agressive man who think the same way next to him, and they like each other alot.

 

 

 

 

 

[lalailaParticipant]

 I think Durant wants to be the best too much to go to GSW. I mean he has great team, that I still believe can win it all this year. Most importantly he has YOUNG team!

When it was only James vs Durant debate no one else, he always adminted he hated to be number 2.

I can guarantee he is still 100% sure he is the best player in the NBA.

I really believe he wants to beat Curry and LeBron more than to join them.

And he has one agressive man who think the same way next to him, and they like each other alot.

 

 

 

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

Durant has played with Westbrook for 7 seasons nearly and had Harden in tow for 3 of them so he is used to being with Franchise level guys who need to have use of the ball. Curry is such a great shooter that almost like Ray Allen he can play off the ball if needed and draw a double team as otherwise, he’ll take the step back and hit the shot from the perimeter.

GSW doesn’t need KD and KD may not need GSW but it’s a fascinating potential mix and GSW would have KD in place so that is a huge advantage to make Curry stay or even if Curry decided he wanted a new challenge they have a top 3 NBA player still on the team.

If they did join up, you could almost have a legacy team in place.

[HitsterParticipant]

Durant has played with Westbrook for 7 seasons nearly and had Harden in tow for 3 of them so he is used to being with Franchise level guys who need to have use of the ball. Curry is such a great shooter that almost like Ray Allen he can play off the ball if needed and draw a double team as otherwise, he’ll take the step back and hit the shot from the perimeter.

GSW doesn’t need KD and KD may not need GSW but it’s a fascinating potential mix and GSW would have KD in place so that is a huge advantage to make Curry stay or even if Curry decided he wanted a new challenge they have a top 3 NBA player still on the team.

If they did join up, you could almost have a legacy team in place.

[Author]

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