NBA insider Brian Windhorst has shared a lot of information regarding the Kevin Durant trade saga this offseason. While building upon the story, leading up to the potential move itself, Windhorst shared that among the several teams showing an interest in the forward, the Los Angeles Clippers may also be a team to look out for.
While speaking on SportsCenter, Windhorst said:
“I want to bring up another team here. Because this is somewhat reminiscent of what happened in 2018 when Kawhi Leonard was a free agent. He had a list of teams he preferred to go to. He had one year left on his contract, and the Toronto Raptors were willing to roll the dice as a possible rental.”
The notion of the Raptors showing an interest in acquiring Durant has been floated before as well. But when taking into consideration what Windhorst claims here, particularly in light of Marc Stein’s claims that Toronto may be willing to “gamble” on Durant, this would make sense.
But, the insider also shared the possibility of another team lurking in the trade rumors involving the Phoenix Suns star. While portraying the Raptors as an interested suitor, he added by saying, “I think there’s a couple of others, including the Los Angeles Clippers, potentially even the Minnesota Timberwolves. This is still wide open. Maybe Durant gets what he wants. Maybe he has to accept something else.”
This presents an interesting landscape around Durant’s potential trade destinations. From the teams mentioned thus far, the Rockets and the Spurs have garnered the most attention in recent times. Although the forward and San Antonio shared a mutual interest in joining forces, it appears that the negotiations have fallen through for the time being.
In light of these events, the Rockets seemed to have a clear path towards landing the Suns’ star. But the Raptors and the Clippers may still throw a wrench in their plans.
The Clippers certainly appear to be a viable destination for the 36-year-old. Our potential trade package for Los Angeles to acquire Durant makes for an intriguing opportunity at reuniting the forward with his former teammate, James Harden.
The Clippers have been a touch short of being title contenders for the better part of the last five years. While the duo of Kawhi Leonard and Harden has been potent, with Norman Powell playing the role of the third star, it is quite clear that they require something more.
In many ways, Durant could be the solution. A proven champion and a battle-hardened veteran is always an asset. With additional consideration for his sheer offensive brilliance, having averaged 26.6 points on 52.7% shooting from the field and 43.0% from beyond the arc, he would be a massive boost for the team’s overall offensive integrity.
It is unlikely that the trade saga will see any major developments in the immediate future. But, with the NBA Draft coming up, there is a very real possibility that an announcement could be made on the night of the draft itself.
