Golden State Warriors: Why trading Kevin Durant isn’t completely crazy

1. Durant seems destined to leave via free agency

It took time for the Warriors to build this dynasty. It will take just as much effort to keep it going, even when the luxury tax and simple logic would seem to suggest their time is nearly up.

One way to ensure their continued success is by bringing in young, inexpensive playmakers who can support the stars of the show. However, when you constantly pick at the end of the first round and don’t have the cap space to bring in anything other than cheap, aging veterans, it becomes difficult to accomplish that.

Trading Durant would be one way to replenish the Warriors’ stock of young assets. They can swap him for essentially a king’s ransom, with at least one top prospect and draft picks likely to be involved. It’s a steep price to pay for rebuilding, but there’s no denying it may be a better option than letting Durant walk via free agency without getting anything in return.

Warriors fans will continue to hold out hope that KD re-signs this offseason. It’s possible, but we’ve heard plenty of rumors that indicate his mind is far from made up. The Los Angeles Lakers will likely throw the kitchen sink at him. The New York Knicks are also expected to have a shot at landing him. Maybe his hometown Washington Wizards could enter the mix as well.

Yes, Golden State has the upper hand. However, re-signing Durant also carries with it huge implications from a financial standpoint. If he returns, the Warriors may not be willing to pay Thompson as well. If both are re-signed, it could balloon the franchise into uncharted luxury tax territory.

Or they could trade him, replenish their stock of young assets, re-sign Thompson and still remain one of the West’s top contenders. It seems crazy, but there’s definitely a case to be made for sending Durant packing before Feb. 7’s trade deadline.