The Golden State Warriors just finished one of their most tumultuous seasons in recent memory. After bowing out in the second round of the playoffs last season thanks to an untimely Stephen Curry injury, Golden State came into this season with contending aspirations.
However, after Jimmy Butler tore his ACL during the first half of the season, the Warriors’ season went up in flames. They had no shot creation to aid Curry and saw their fellow Western Conference teams leapfrog them.
Golden State flamed out in the play-in to Phoenix, but look set on trying to bounce back next season. They brought back head coach Steve Kerr on a two-year deal, signaling that they are going to give it one last shot to compete with Curry and Draymond Green. Since they seem to be in a run it back mood, and look like they will be aggressively pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, there should be one offseason target at the top of their list.
The Warriors should pursue a reunion with Rockets forward Kevin Durant
The last time Durant was in the Bay, he won two championships, and two Finals MVPs in three seasons. Golden State was in the finals in each of those three years as well.
Since then, Durant has battled injuries, but he has shown no signs of slowing down as a scorer. He’s coming off a season where he averaged 26 points per game, six rebounds, and five assists on 52 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range.
Durant’s scoring on the wing is exactly what the Warriors have been lacking for the last couple seasons. Butler has been able to provide the slashing punch, but he is not the threat on the perimeter that Durant is. Having someone that can get hot at all three levels will open up Golden State’s offense and give Curry much-needed spacing.
One thing to keep in mind though is that Durant’s exit from Golden State wasn’t exactly the smoothest. Even though he and Green have buried the hatchet, will Durant want to return to the place where he felt like he wasn’t wanted? Is he happy in Houston? No one knows the true answer.
The Warriors will be in Antetokounmpo conversations and rightfully so. They should be looking at any and all options to improve their squad. If they can’t land the Greek Freak, then they should look to add the Slim Reaper to give it one last go with Curry.
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