NBA: Predicting the next 5 championship teams

NBA Golden State Warriors Kevin Durant (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
NBA Golden State Warriors Kevin Durant (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 12: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors holds the championship trophy during the Golden State Warriors Victory Parade on June 12, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0 to win the 2018 NBA Finals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 12: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors holds the championship trophy during the Golden State Warriors Victory Parade on June 12, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0 to win the 2018 NBA Finals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

2021 NBA Champions: Golden State Warriors

Finals MVP: Steph Curry

Yes, five straight championships. Draymond Green will take a pay cut to stick around because he likes winning too much. Durant will opt out and re-sign on another 1+1 deal. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson will still be under contract for the long term, which means there will be no shortage of ring chasing veterans to fill out the Golden State roster.

Curry will finally capture a Finals MVP after his sixth title, draining a series record 34 3’s. The luxury tax situation by this point will be ridiculous for the Warriors. Before the front office can make a move Durant does it for them, opting out of his contract and informing the front office he will not be returning.

After years of being discredited for joining a core that already won a title without him, KD sets out to win one without his running mates of the last five seasons. The only team with a shot at contention and the cap space to sign him is the Boston Celtics, who jump on the opportunity to sign the former MVP.