The Golden State Warriors are sitting in a very intriguing position as the Kevin Durant sweepstakes approaches a conclusion.

Durant is expected to make a decision by early Monday morning, and a few crucial hints may indicate that the Warriors have a very good chance of landing him.

The first is that reports are saying that Warriors consultant Jerry West had a personal phone conversation with Durant on Saturday.

Nobody has proven themselves as a more capable NBA executive than West over the years, and a phone call from him that boasts of the Warriors’ ability to win would go a long way in convincing Durant to take his talents to the Bay Area.

Anytime “The Logo” calls to talk basketball and the opportunity to join a team comes up, a player listens intently. It sounds distinctly reminiscent of West luring Shaquille O’Neal to Los Angeles during the Summer of 1996. 20 years later, West is trying to work his magic again.

The Warriors are also reported to be out of the running for Pau Gasol. This indicates that they’re sticking to the Durant plan, and undoubtedly confident that they have a great chance at landing him.

The Los Angeles Clippers are one of the teams that have pursued other avenues to improving their roster since having a meeting with him. Clearly any team that felt as though they didn’t have a chance at him has moved on, and the Warriors have not.

Royce Young is also reporting that at this point, it’s essentially a battle between the Warriors and Thunder. If Durant truly puts winning above all other factors, why wouldn’t he join that team that beat him in the playoffs?

The Warriors will have to address Harrison Barnes after Durant’s announcement. Hopefully Durant becomes a Warrior and they can make the easy decision to let Barnes walk with his max deal to Dallas.

Warriors World

Warriors Need to Make a Decision About Harrison Barnes

It’s Between the Warriors and Thunder for Kevin Durant

Local Media

Mass Live: Celtics Out of the Running for Kevin Durant

Pounding the Rock: Spurs Are Pau Gasol’s First Choice

National Media

ESPN: Jerry West Makes Case to Kevin Durant

USA Today Sports: Bill Simmons Says Why Durant to the Warriors May Actually Happen