Kevin Durant has logged plenty of miles alongside LeBron James. But even Durant can’t crack this one. James, 41, is officially in free agency, and the decision has the entire league holding its breath.
Durant was at the MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia when NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark caught up with him, where he weighed in on where the four-time champion is headed next.x
Kevin Durant Has One Thing to Say About LeBron’s Next Move
Durant, 37, told Clark he’s as clueless as everyone else. But that didn’t stop him from offering a take on what James brings wherever he lands.
“Wherever he goes, I know he’s going to ball out and show that he still got a lot left in the tank at 42 years old,” Durant said. “Any team is going to be better because of him.”
Golden State has had a recruiting advantage that no other finalist can match. Green has been doing the legwork in person. He and James spent time together in Puerto Rico, and with Curry also able to contact James directly during the process, Golden State has had unusual direct access compared to front offices still routing pitches through Rich Paul.
Charania still places the real focus on Cleveland, Miami, and Philadelphia, with the Warriors and Minnesota rounding out the five teams in the running. But Green isn’t done making his case.
Furthermore, James is set to record a live episode of his “Mind the Game” podcast at Fanatics Fest in New York, with Tyrese Haliburton and other guests. Durant will also be at Fanatics Fest.
James informed the Lakers on June 30 that he wouldn’t be back. Since then, every team in this race has been selling the same thing: a ring. ESPN has also reported that James has remained engaged throughout the process, speaking with players on interested teams while executives continue making their recruiting pitches.
This time, the contention for commitment is different. Miami already has Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Philly has Embiid, Maxey, and now Jaylen Brown. Cleveland boasts a roster with Mitchell, Harden, and Mobley. Minnesota added LaMelo Ball recently. Golden State still has Curry and Green.
Regardless of where he goes, James will walk into an existing contender. He would be able to contend for another chip, provided he and the rest of the core stay healthy.
The Bronny angle adds another layer. Multiple front offices have discussed combining a James signing with a trade for his son, Lakers guard Bronny James. Where LeBron goes, the question of Bronny follows. One decision, and suddenly two careers find their next chapter.
