Warriors Now Odds-On Favorites to Re-Sign Kevin Durant, Knicks Given 1-1 Odds
- Sportsbooks now favors impending free agent Kevin Durant remaining with the Golden State Warriors
- Durant would be a free agent July 1st
- The New York Knicks are offered the next-best chance to sign him
The Golden State Warriors are deadlocked 2-2 in their NBA Western Conference semifinal with the Houston Rockets, and Kevin Durant is a big reason why. He has matched NBA scoring leader and reigning league MVP James Harden shot for shot throughout the series.
Update on Harden v KD through 4 games:
Harden has 143 points on 108 shots, with 29 rebounds & 20 assists.
Durant has 144 points on 100 shots, with 20 rebounds & 18 assists.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) May 7, 2019
As much as people view the Warriors as Steph Curry’s team, there can be no doubt that Durant is vital to their success, and a significant reason why they’ve won consecutive NBA championships.
Can the Warriors win without Durant? Some sportsbooks are of the belief that the time to discover that might come later as opposed to sooner. Eligible for free agency on July 1st, the sportsbook now lists the Warriors as favorites to be Durant’s team of choice for the 2019-20 NBA season.
Kevin Durant 2019 Free Agency Odds
| Team | Odds to Sign Kevin Durant |
|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | -150 |
| New York Knicks | +100 |
| Brooklyn Nets | +400 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | +400 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +400 |
| Field | +300 |
*Odds taken 05/08/19
In the summer of 2016, Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder and signed as a free agent with the Warriors.
Will Durant Stay Put?
Certainly, from the standpoint of NBA fans, this would prove to be the least sexiest option, Durant re-upping with the Warriors. But it may all come down to what he really wants.
If i’m @KDTrey5 im staying with the warriors.. The guy is playing the best basketball of his career, best player in the world by far, and he is the face of that team
— Tarek Al Zaim (@tarekzaim) April 29, 2019
Does he crave the attention that comes from being the focal point of a team? Is he happy operating as part of a collective on the deepest starting five in the NBA?
When you look at his options after this season, odds are that Durant’s best chance to decorate his fingers with more championship rings would come from staying put.
Steve Kerr with BIG praise for Kevin Durant. ? pic.twitter.com/yTg87rKcY8
— theScore (@theScore) May 7, 2019
Then there’s the flip side to this debate – can the Warriors afford to let him walk? He’s a two-time NBA Finals MVP, after all.
Combined with Curry, they are the NBA’s best 1-2 punch. Golden State was a very good team before Durant arrived. With him in the fold, the Warriors are a dynasty.
Are the Knicks in Time?
It’s obvious that the Knicks intend to make a big splash this summer.
Adam Sandler getting in on the Knicks-Kevin Durant fun in a way that 85 percent of the young fan base is unfamiliar. (via @BackAftaThis) #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/KxXXkRLEfp
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) May 5, 2019
They cleared out significant cap space by moving Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Courtney Lee this season.
An LA State of Mind?
What sense would it make for Durant to leave the best team in the league to play second fiddle to LeBron with the Lakers?
Kevin Durant come to Lakers baby pic.twitter.com/D6aCcVNlsv
— hmmmmm… (@carushoww) May 5, 2019
Durant got an up-close look at the Clippers as Golden State dispatched them in the first round of the playoffs.
Which Dynamic Duo Do You Buy?
The idea of Durant and Kyrie Irving together to the Nets has been floated. So has Durant and Kemba Walker to the Knicks.
The guy chanting "NEW YORK KNICKS" every time Durant touches the ball has been Mike D'Antoni's best tactical move yet pic.twitter.com/RTCBd9Zkjm
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 7, 2019
The one that makes the most sense to us is Durant and Kawhi Leonard to the Clippers.
Stephen A Smith: "I'm starting to believe that the #Clippers have a legitimate shot, better than 50% shot, at both Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant. I'm starting to believe that, based on what I'm hearing."
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) April 23, 2019
NBA players love LA. Together, those two make the Clippers instant contenders.
Pick: Los Angeles Clippers (+400)
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
