Kevin Durant appears like he may consider the Clippers this summer.
The 30-year-old Warriors forward is expected to become a free agent after the season and he has widely been linked to the Knicks. But Durant’s friend and former teammate Kendrick Perkins thinks Los Angeles is a contender to add the star.
“Don’t be surprised if KD signs with the Clippers,” Perkins told FS1. “Everybody keeps screaming New York but do not be surprised if KD signs (with Los Angeles).”
We shot this yesterday... Here’s @KendrickPerkins telling us don’t be surprised if @KDTrey5 (his close friend) winds up with the Clippers. Full two part episodes air June 4th and 5th. pic.twitter.com/R4ZDkCmCaN
— Kristine Leahy (@KristineLeahy) May 22, 2019
The New York Times also reported earlier this week the “Clippers have emerged as an equally dangerous threat to the Knicks to sign Durant away from Golden State.” Perkins, who played with Durant in Oklahoma City from 2011-15, said his former teammate has been impressed by Clippers coach Doc Rivers.
Rivers coached Perkins in Boston and the pair won a championship together in 2007-08.
“I don’t need to help recruit (Durant to play for Rivers),” Perkins said. “He likes the organization. He likes Doc Rivers. He loves Doc Rivers.”
Durant has not played since straining his calf in Golden State's Game 5 win over the Rockets in the second round. The Warriors went on to close out Houston in six games before sweeping the Trail Blazers in the Western Conference finals.
The 10-time All-Star has won a pair of NBA titles, along with two Finals MVP awards, since he joined Golden State before 2016-17. He averaged 26 points and 6.4 rebounds for the Warriors this season.
Golden State will play the winner of the series between the Bucks and Raptors for the championship. The series is tied at 2-2 heading into Game 5 on Thursday.