Superstar Kevin Durant is expected to announce his decision on Monday morning on which team will he be playing next season. After long speculations that started last year, Durant will finally be proclaiming the lucky team that will automatically be contender for the NBA title.
Oklahoma City Thunder
There’s no doubt the Durant contemplates of returning to Oklahoma City to have another run for the title with fellow star Russell Westbrook. They were just short of a game to be in the NBA Finals and that they will be contender in the Western Conference again if he would elect to stay. The fact that OKC enhanced the roster by adding Victor Oladipo will give them greater chance to be competitive as a team. Oladipo average 16.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists last season. Will Durant be playing along Westbrook again?
Golden State Warriors
If Durant’s measuring stick of a team would be to win a title, the Golden State Warriors might be prettier for him. The team that beat him last month will ultimately jump stronger and bigger of getting back into the NBA Finals and more fitted to overpower the Cleveland Cavaliers. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are the core of the Warriors and adding Durant would make it unstoppable. Though the Warriors may lose Harrison Barnes, who received a four-year $95 million contract from Dallas, Durant will take his place.
Warriors executive board member and NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West was luring Durant on Sunday. West said to Durant as ESPN Chris Broussard reported that the difficult shots he takes in Oklahoma City will be easier with the Warriors. He also added that playing Golden State would help him recognized as more than just a scored, but as a rebounder, passer and defender. Truly, Durant will have an easier life in Golden State with so much firepower.
Boston Celtics
One of the teams with an outside shot of having Durant would be the Boston Celtics. The acquisition of Al Horford magnifies the chances of Boston to captivate Durant. Moreover, the Celtics team that met with him includes quarterback Tom Brady. Will Brady become one of the successful recruiters? Boston has the players to be on top of the Eastern Conference but it would be harder to beat the Cavs without Durant. If Durant thinks that Boston can overwhelm the Cavaliers, then he would make the right choice.
New York Knicks
Phil Jackson is building a mighty team. Actually, Jackson’s getting Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah has made the Knicks a playoff team. With Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingiz, and the two former-Bulls stars with Durant, the Knicks are in a great situation. Though it would be unfathomable for Durant to play alongside Anthony and Rose, everything is possible.
San Antonio Spurs
Last season, the Spurs found out that their roster was not sufficient to match the power of Oklahoma City. Thus, to attract Durant was one of the missions of Gregg Popovich. Durant playing with DeMarcus Russel, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and at times with Tim Duncan, the Spurs are automatically be the favorites to win the Western Conference. But Durant might be looking at a bigger market in which he can become a legend.
Miami Heat
Pat Riley was successful in building a superteam in the past by joining the forces of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Riley’s move was praised because it produced two rings and four consecutive NBA Finals appearances. Riley’s team this time is in total disarray as Wade is shopping for a new team. Also, the Heat already agreed to give Hassan Whiteside a huge contract. For Durant, Miami would not be the best place to play.
Prediction:
Durant will likely be selecting Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics or Oklahoma City Thunder.