The Warriors held their long-awaited meeting with superstar free agent Kevin Durant in the Hamptons on Friday morning, and ESPN’s Chris Broussard reported that a surprise guest joined Golden State’s pitch team for the face-to-face.
In addition to Steve Kerr & GState brass, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green & Andre Iguodala attended meeting, source says.
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 1, 2016
It was already known that Curry, Thompson, and Green would be joining Kerr and the Dubs’ front office in the meeting to try to woo the former MVP to the Bay Area, but the inclusion of Iguodala in the meeting was both unexpected and telling. It is generally accepted that the Warriors would have to clear the $16 million contract of either Iguodala or Andrew Bogut off their books if they want to offer Durant a max deal.
With reports surfacing over the past few days that the Warriors aren’t exactly content with their situation at the center position, and now that Iguodala was included in the recruiting pitch to KD, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Warriors will try to keep Iggy around, even if they can land Durant.
Iguodala will be a key piece on the team if Durant joins Golden State, as he would likely be relied upon heavily to lead a bench unit that will undoubtedly be thinner next season. He and backup point guard Shaun Livingston would provide steady and consistent leadership for a second unit that would have to be cheaply paid, and therefore rife with overaged veterans or inexperienced youngsters.
In 2010, Durant was on the Team USA World Championship team along with Iguodala and Curry, and the three were said to have formed a friendship in that time. Durant and Iguodala also played alongside each other at the 2012 Olympics, and Team USA won both tournaments.
Durant is still scheduled to meet with the Clippers, Spurs, Heat, and Celtics, and he met with the Thunder yesterday. It has been reported that the Thunder are still the favorites to retain Durant’s services, and they are expected to land a final meeting with him after he meets with the other five teams.
