This time around, the Golden State Warriors don’t need Kevin Durant.
The idea of Kevin Durant rejoining the Golden State Warriors is entertaining and intriguing, but what would it take for them to acquire the two-time Finals MVP? And more importantly, should the Warriors give up the future foundation of their team in order to expand their championship window for a few more years?
When the news broke about Durant’s trade request, it basically sent every general manager around the league into a frenzy as they have tried to figure out what it would take and what it would cost to acquire the superstar.
Knowing that the Brooklyn Nets are going to not only want a superstar player in return but draft capital also, it remains to be seen if a team is willing to part ways with those assets as it appears the asking prices have been too steep for any team to make a deal.
What we do know for a fact is that the Warriors are not departing with any of their superstars by any means because that would just defeat the purpose of trading for Durant in the first place.
If the Warriors are serious about entering the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, they would have to decide if giving up Jonathan Kuminga, Jordan Poole, Moses Moody, or James Wiseman is worth it in the long run.
We all saw just how dangerous Durant, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are whenever they are all on the floor together with the chemistry, camaraderie, and competitiveness they all have. Durant and Curry are 34, Thompson is 33, and Green is 32, and as long as that main core stays healthy and can play at a championship level in the coming years, it’s a good chance that they will add to their collection of Larry O’Brien trophies.
Even though they would have to give up their young players in order for Durant to be back in a Warriors uniform, they should still be in a prime position to maintain a competitive roster as the prospect of competing for a title should attract decent role players who would be willing to come off the bench and accept team-friendly contracts.
But what if the Warriors decide to keep their talented young prospects instead of pursuing Durant? Either way, the Warriors are set up for long-term success and should remain a top contender in the West for years to come.
With Otto Porter Jr., Gary Payton II, Damion Lee, and Juan Toscano-Anderson all signing with other teams, it leaves room for the other players to fill roles and earn more playing time. Kuminga, who was the 7th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, appeared in 70 games and averaged 9.3 points and 17 minutes per game.
Moody, a top 15 selection, gives the Warriors another shooter and scorer as he just recently scored 34 points in a Summer League game. Wiseman is a talented big man who has the potential to become a force in this league with his unique skill set. The emergence of Poole and his development resulted in him finishing 4th in Most Improved Player voting.
Another year in the Warriors system with more minutes will only allow these players to get better and gain the necessary experience to be successful in the NBA. While any team in the league would love to have Durant, the Warriors should be aware that one or more of their young players could possibly become an All-Star or develop into a top 20 player in the future.
Kuminga, Poole, Moody, and Wiseman all possess unlimited potential. At this point, Durant is in the twilight of his brilliant career and any NBA general manager would be taking a chance by rolling the dice if they decide to pull off obtaining Durant by giving up on future assets.
Whatever the Warriors decide to do, they should be just fine. But this time around, they don’t necessarily need Durant.