Kevin Durant Will Leave 'Dysfunctional' Warriors, Could Partner Another Free Agent: McHale

Kevin Durant has confirmed that he will enter free agency yet again this summer after signing just a short-term deal with the Golden State Warriors in 2018 and the question remains, whether he will stay with the reigning champions or look for pastures new.

The small forward is contracted to the Warriors until the summer of 2020, but can opt out of the final-year of his deal and become an unrestricted free agent, which will allow him to join the franchise of his choice.

Durant has revealed in the weeks gone by that “stacking money and playing basketball” are his two main objectives in free agency which did not give a clear indication of his plans. But it is a known fact that the Warriors can offer him the biggest contract in 2019.

The back-to-back champions can offer him a max contract worth $221 million over five years, while any other franchise can only offer him a four-year deal worth $164 million. He has been urged to remain with the Warriors for at least one more season and assess his options in 2020.

The Los Angeles Lakers are said to be big admirers and are keen to pair him with LeBron James next season, but Durant’s recent comments about top players not wanting to play with the three-time champion suggested that he will not join Lakers this summer.

The New York Knicks have made strides in their pursuit of Durant and are being touted as one of the favorites, but there is also a possibility that he re-signs with the Warriors and goes on to dominate the NBA with one of the best teams ever assembled in recent history.

Steve Kerr’s team are not having a stellar season by comparison to last season, but are still the overwhelming favorites to win a third straight title, which will put Durant on par with James in terms of championship rings. However, NBA legend Kevin McHale believes the forward will leave the Warriors after the 2018-19 season.

“Anywhere but Golden State,” McHale said when asked where Durant will be next year, as quoted by the Express. “Honestly I don’t think he’s going to go back there.”

The former Boston Celtics power forward feels that there is something wrong with the Warriors this season and that will see Durant seek a new challenge next season. And With a number of other top players namely, Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson and Jimmy Butler also entering free agency this summer, McHale feels that he could partner up with one of them, in order to challenge for the title with another franchise.

“I watch him and there’s something dysfunctional with that team right now. So I would be shocked if he goes back there. I don’t think he’s going to stay in Golden State.

“I could see him hooking up with another free agent and saying, ‘Lets go here and win a championship together’,” he explained. “I’m not sure what city it is going to be in, I don’t think it matters anymore. But I think he’s going to leave Golden State.”