Nets, Warriors blockbuster technical access agreement “barrier”

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Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving warm up during the 2018 NBA All-Star Game

Two-time NBA Finalist Kevin Durant has officially requested a trade from brooklyn network. After the past three tumultuous seasons, he’s decided it’s time to move on to a franchise.

Durant, the 12-time All-Star has had multiple teams put together packages for potentially the biggest blockbuster deal in NBA history. Among those suitors was his old football team, the Golden State Warriors according to Marc J. Spears of ESPN.

“It comes as no surprise to me that the Warriors are interested in Kevin Durant, according to sources,” Spears tweeted on July 3. “So are more than half of the league. It’s KEVIN DURANT. You better make the call if you’re an NBA GM. It’s KEVIN DURANT. “

However, “The Athletic”‘s Marcus Thompson was quick to shut down what could be the greatest reunion in sports history. Insiders say the Warriors are not interested in paying the Nets’ asking price for the All-NBA striker.

“According to multiple sources within the Warriors organization, a reunion is highly unlikely. Nothing about the past three years suggests that the Warriors would be willing to pay the price for a KD return,” Thompson wrote. “That price tag could be (and arguably) an All-Star caliber player, young talent and a pile of draft picks.”

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Warriors Stars ‘opens the door’ to reunite with Durant

Also, the Warriors’ current position isn’t what they were when they got Durant in 2016. Back then, they had to go through an epic fallout against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. This time around, the Warriors were the defending NBA champions. And with contributing players like Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, none of whom are over 21, Golden State could be in a position to be championship contenders for years to come.

“This is not a case of Warriors stars pressing the main office to buy Durant. Sources make it clear that they are defending their title with Wiggins, Poole and the young players they have prepared to win with them. But if the universe somehow arranges it for the myths to reunite, they will be open to it,” Thompson wrote.

The insider also noted, albeit preliminary, that Durant had been having conversations with his former Warriors teammates about a potential reunion.

“The Warriors superstars spoke to Durant. In addition to catching up, fellow Hall of Fame-bound colleagues entertained the idea of ​​a reunion,” Thompson writes.

“It’s mostly about the sheer nature of it being even possible. The idea of ​​them playing together again seemed impossible when Durant left the agency for free in 2019. That doesn’t make them lose sight of the way life has given them a chance to get together. They see it, like everyone else, and talk about it, like everyone else.”

Thompson, Green Contracts Can Maintain Durant’s Reunion

Another thing Thompson noted that could hold a potential reunion between the Warriors and Durant is Draymond Green and Klay Thompson’s expiring contracts. Two core players have played key roles in the Warriors’ four titles since 2015.

And after letting both Otto Porter Jr and Gary Payton go free agents, it seems Warriors owner Joe Lacob is saving a lot more with his NBA wallet these days. Already having superstar Stephen Curry on a huge deal, one more at Durant, it can be extremely difficult for Thompson and Green to accept similar deals.

“According to Thompson and Green, their contracts expire after the 2023-24 season. So they will have to be renewed to give this quartet more than two years. That’s an insanely high price for four players,” continued Thompson.

“Lacob has shown this season there is a limit to how much he is willing to spend. So to retain all those players, they will have to surround them with cheaper deals or commit to more historic luxury tax penalties.”

The Warriors have the opportunity to compete for titles for years to come with their team as it is now. But if you have a chance to take down an all-time great like Durant, you should turn around for a better fence.

CONTINUE READING: Kevin Durant ‘In Conversation’ With Steph Curry, Warriors In The Blockbuster