Kevin Durant Rumors: Lakers Favored To Sign Warriors' Star, Knicks, Clippers Also Free Agent Options

Kevin Durant’s impending free agency will be the biggest story throughout the 2018-2019 NBA season. It’s already having an effect on the Golden State Warriors, who were forced to suspend Draymond Green because of a verbal spat that largely had to do with Durant’s contract status.

Every team with cap space will be trying to sign Durant next summer, though only a few are realistic possible destinations. The Los Angeles Lakers have seemingly jumped to the front of the line since they are now the betting favorites to land the two-time NBA Finals MVP.

The Lakers lead the way with +200 odds to acquire Durant. The Warriors have +350 betting odds to keep the superstar. They are followed by the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets.

For months, much of the speculation regarding Durant’s free agency has involved a possible union with the Knicks. New York should be able to hand out at least one max salary contract in July. The Knicks have a budding star in Kristaps Porzingis and they should have one of the top picks in the 2019 NBA Draft.

In light of the incident between Green and Durant, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith listed Los Angeles as the forward’s most likely destination. The Lakers will have the necessary cap space to sign a max player, and you can bet they’ll try to use it this summer. L.A. would instantly become the 2020 NBA Finals favorites with both Durant and LeBron James on the roster.

The Clippers could actually make the most sense for Durant. Unlike the Knicks, the Clippers are currently in the playoff hunt, and they wouldn’t need a complete roster overhaul in order to become a contender. Joining the Knicks would also mean playing for James Dolan, who’s widely considered to be among the worst owners in the NBA.

Winning a title with the Clippers or Knicks would give Durant the kind of praise he has never been able to achieve by winning with the Warriors. Golden State had already won a title and set the regular-season record for wins before Durant arrived.

Of course, there’s no disputing that Durant is an all-time great. He’s proven to be the Warriors’ best player in the postseason, winning back-to-back NBA Finals MVP awards. Maybe he’ll choose to stay in Golden State, adding to his legacy by creating one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.

A lot can happen before Durant has to make a decision on his future.

Golden State has the best record in the West through 16 games, and they remain the overwhelming favorites to win the title. The Clippers are two games behind the Warriors, and the Lakers trail the defending champs by three games. The Knicks are 4-11 and well on their way to the lottery for yet another year.