Golden State Warriors is reportedly confident Kevin Durant will be with their team next season. But it seems like things are different for Stephen A. Smith of ESPN.
According to Bleacher Report, he revealed these latest rumors last Wednesday on The Stephen A. Smith Show, which started at 8:55 PM. He said that the Knicks and Lakers with the latter possessing the edge. Smith explained this is the news he was hearing and he shared two weeks ago that the Knicks has the advantage. At the moment, he hears Lakers have the edge and revealed in his report that one of these teams will be his new destination saying, "But Golden State is telling me: 'There is no way in hell we believe he is leaving. We believe Kevin Durant is going to stay.'"
The report says next season, Durant is able to have a player option worth over $31.5 million but can still choose to enter free agency. Meanwhile, the future of Duran has become the bigger topic lately. This was because he and Draymond Green had a heated argument inside the court at Monday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Marc J. Spears and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN said there is a confrontation happened on the locker room. They specified that Durant impends free agency highlights the turmoil's sensitivity. Durant, known as a two-time NBA MVP was tempted to join the Warriors two years ago and was able to resign since 2016 despite the choice to hit the open market. Unfortunately, this time things are probably different.
As the earlier mentioned source reported earlier, some of the teammates are suspecting he might leave by the end of the season. In the end, it was clear to them as well, privately, they were not on board for another "Please-Stay-KD tour." This was revealed The Athletics' Marcus Thompson II. Durant, meanwhile, was able to make assurances in public intended to stay with the team beyond the season.
In our opinion, he could potentially join the Lakers with Lebron James. Therefore, this duo could form a new superteam at the Western Conference. There is a possibility New York Knicks might let him have a new beginning and can build something on his own to possibly change his record.
Furthermore, it is safe to say this is not making the situation any easier with the heightening speculation that Durant will say his farewell this season. Several Eastern Conference executives have reportedly braced themselves to sign with the New York Knicks in July 2019.
