If the Warriors don't break the NBA regular-season record for wins this season, they'll likely do it next year ... if 2016 free agent Kevin Durant decides to join the team.
That nightmarish scenario for the rest of the league is possible, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard, based on talk from NBA executives.
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"There are those around the league that think Golden State is a possibility," Broussard said. "Their front office is very innovative and ambitious."
To avoid the wrath of Durant that Stephen A. Smith incurred a few months ago when he suggested that the Lakers were in the running for Durant's services, Broussard made sure to note that nothing was coming out of Durant's camp to suggest the move to the reigning champions was a possibility.
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He said his information is based on "when you talk to executives," and that the Durant free agency is a big topic, leading to speculation. Broussard said the league is due for a massive hike in the salary cap for next season, and most teams will have a lot of room to make moves.
The report is the second link between Durant and the champs. A tweet from 95.7 The GAME quoted USA Today Sports' Sam Amick saying the Warriors were on his short list of teams.
The Warriors likely would have to let current forward Harrison Barnes exit, Broussard said, to make room for Durant. Barnes turned down a four-year, $64 million contract last season, and the sides agreed to resume negotiations after this season. Center Andrew Bogut likely would be another casualty.
But if the Warriors were able to reach a deal with Durant before Barnes makes his decision about staying or leaving, Golden State could retain Barnes if it was willing to pay luxury taxes. One thing's for certain: If the Bucks, or anybody in the league, beats a Golden State team with Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, etc., during the regular season, much less the playoffs, they will be entitled to celebrate twice as much as the Bucks and their fans did when they handed the Warriors their first loss of the 2015-16 season.
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Sam Amick on if the Warriors could lure Kevin Durant here "Yes, they are on the short list of teams."
— 95.7 The GAME (@957thegame) July 7, 2015
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