Although Kevin Durant and the Warriors have clinched the Western Conference, there's still the looming question of what's Durant thinking heading into free agency. Fans, pundits, and NBA players have their guesses.
More than a quarter of the NBA's active roster participated in a poll conducted by The Athletic, where they tried to answer some of the biggest mysteries surrounding the league. More than 63 percent of the 127 players asked believe Durant will leave the Bay for a chance to restore the Knicks' dynasty.
Many non-players assumed the same. Still, it's uncertain if the media's intense interest in seeing him don the blue and orange has fractured the Knicks' chances. After a February article by The Athletic's Ethan Strauss began to circulate regarding the possible move to New York, Durant took time away from his post-game interview to quiet the rumors.
"I have nothing to do with the Knicks. I don't know who traded Porzingis. That got nothing to do with me. I'm trying to play basketball," KD said. "And now when I don't want to talk to y'all its a problem with me? Come on, man. Grow up."
Free agency speculations weren't the only questions directed towards the Warriors' roster. In addition to commentary on Durant's decision, KD's current frontcourt counterpart Draymond Green and former teammate Russell Westbrook were locked in a tie for the league's most overrated player with over 17 percent not feeding into the hype. Also, more than 70 percent of the participants think Michael Jordan is the greatest NBA player, while only 11.9 percent consider LeBron James their G.O.A.T.
Players were also given the opportunity to answer more light-hearted questions, such as who they would not want to fight (Heat's James Johnson, 43.8 percent) and who deserves to win the MVP (James Harden 44.3 percent).
