Could they ? I mean, not theoretically, but practically, sign KD, sign and trade Carroll for Horford (include someone like Ross if needed, as salary filler) and then resign DeRozan. That starting lineup would be nasty as hell+ very strong bench to go along, he wouldn't need to thru GSW and Spurs to get to the finals and he could build possible championship team for years to come as most of them are still young and improving.
No.... After last night, it's GSWs all the way. Obviously the Toronto lineup would be nice, but Houston probably has a better shot than Toronto, and I don't think Houston has much of a chance....
If I were ranking teams in order of getting him, it would be: 1. Thunder 2. Warriors 3. Houston 4. Washington 5. Dallas 6. Miami Dallas only because they're in Texas and Miami simply because Pat Riley tends to be a good salesman and athletes love the city. But I consider (5) and (6) to be tremendous long-shots. I'd be very surprised if he didn't end up with one of the first four teams. I don't think anyone else has a shot. I do think Houston will have a shot because I think they can sell him on the idea that a "big three" of him, Harden and Howard will be a serious title contender, plus he supposedly is close with Harden. I don't think Houston has the best chance, obviously, but I think they'll be a real consideration.
I still like Blazers to get him. That team can provide the best pitch too: "Do you know how it feels to DESTROY the Warriors? It feels mighty fine. We can do it even WITHOUT you. Do Curry/Klay give you nightmares? Don't worry Lillard/McCollum have got your back. We can out-warrior the Warriors for days. We have the youth, the talent, AND the system to run at a championship for years. Plus, our owner is frickin' rich. He'll pay whatever it takes to win. You want to curb stomp Stephanie Curry? We can take care of that for you."
Durant joining the Dubs would be coat tailing at its finest, even though indeed he has a beta tendency, i don't think he is desperate enough to pull such a coward move. There are PLENTY teams with good young talents in its roster that he can turn into instant contender, The Blazers, The Jazz, The Pelicans, The Raptors, The Celtics, The Magic, The Bucks, etc.
Toronto is his best option outside of the Warriors... if championships are his first priority. They'll have to beef up their bigs a bit, but if they can keep their current squad, and add Durant, I don't see how they aren't the favorites out of the East, if healthy, for the next 2-3 years.
Going to Toronto would just allow them to become the Thunder in the East (which isn't a bad thing at all). The teams would not be too different and his path to the Finals would basically just be a match up with an aging Lebron every year. If he is looking to go to the East for an easier path to a championship, Toronta is a lot better fit that Washington IMO.
The bold is easily the biggest selling point to Durant. If TOR can also add someone like a Griffin / Gasol / Horford, that team will win the East for years to come.
Going to Toronto is probably his best chance of getting a championship outside of joining Golden State without people calling it coat tailing. Avoid Clippers, Spurs, GS, etc. until the finals. Lebron is slowing down so Cavs years are limited.
That's actually a very good option I hadn't even considered. Can u imagine a line-up of: Lowry Derozan Durant Scola Valanciunas That's crazy good!