LAClippersFilm wrote:Clippers were in Durant's top 3 in 2016, maybe they get another look at him this summer.
Pair durant w/...anyone. That's the dream.
Neither of the 2 articles cited below would be considered riveting reads or an example of impeccable journalism, but they each provide something to think about. The Clipperholics article poses the possibility of Jerry West's connection to Kevin Durant luring him to the Clippers while the SFF piece argues in favor of choosing Durant over Leonard, if presented with the choice.
Chris Haynes apparently is the reporter who's leading the charge with the possibility of Durant leaving the Warriors and even linked the Clips to Durant. While Haynes acknowledged that the Warriors still have the edge in re-signing him, he feels the Knicks have a pretty good chance at signing him as well given the affinity for that franchise from influential people close to KD. Bay Area reporter Marcus Thompson seems to back Haynes' speculation by also expressing his feelings that Durant has a foot out the door.
I've stated multiple times now that the ideal outcome for the Clippers would be to sign 2 true max-worthy free agents and retain the services of Tobias Harris long-term as the 3rd option. Kawhi and KD would be a great get for the Clippers during the summer of 2019, but would Kawhi want to team up with Durant since he reportedly wants to be the face of the franchise in the spotlight and out from under the shadow of other star players? Likewise, if Durant were to leave Golden State, he'd most likely want to prove that he can lead a franchise to championship glory even if he would need to team with another star player.
The one downside to getting both Leonard and Durant during the same off-season would be that it would almost certainly mean not bringing back Tobias Harris since Danilo Gallinari's contract would force us to renounce Harris' Bird rights in order to open up enough salary cap space for the 2 max-level slots necessary to sign both the Klaw and Durantula.
Now if we had to choose between Kawhi or Durant while also re-signing Tobias, who should the Clippers commit to? Leonard is almost 3 years younger but KD is the more transcendent talent. Who would be the better player to pair with either Anthony Davis or Giannis Antetokounmpo as acquisition targets in a couple of years?
Sir Milo Loftin, Clipperholics.com (10/5/18)
While most would probably laugh at the idea that Kevin Durant would leave the Warriors to come to the Clippers, it is not completely far-fetched. During Kevin Durant’s 2016 free agency the Clippers were one of the teams that Durant was reportedly interested in meeting with. As we all know Durant would ultimately sign with the Warriors. And who did KD speak with in 2016, helping him decide to join the Warriors? Jerry West. The same Jerry West that is now working in the Clippers front office. Can The Logo work his magic again and bring Durant to Los Angeles?
There is a very real chance that the Clippers strike out on all three star wings, but if the dominoes fall the right way. The Clippers could emerge as a prime destination for Durant next summer.
Clippers Expected to Target Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard in Free Agency
Ballhoopz, SanFranFanad.com (10/5/18)
Now that the Lakers are relevant again, its time for the clippers to make their move and go after Kevin Durant next summer. There have been a numerous amount of reports and rumors about the Clippers going after arguably the best two-way player in the game known as Kawhi Leonard, although going after Kawhi seems like the right move because he is two years younger than Durant, I am here to tell you that pursuing Leonard might not be the best idea.
With all that being said a team where Kevin Durant is the leader with a defensive minded backcourt in Beverley and Bradley and retaining Tobias Harris in free agency for the right price is a great team in my eyes, but what will make them contend for a title is searching for a defensive minded center next summer and who knows, maybe a Deandre Jordan homecoming.
Why the Los Angeles Clippers Should Pursue Kevin Durant Next Summer?