2. New Orleans Pelicans
The Lakers saw firsthand just how dangerous this young Pelicans team can be. Despite facing must-win games the Pelicans handled the Lakers and kept themselves in playoff contention despite losing their star player for the season. If there is one young core Durant would clearly push over the top it is the New Orleans Pelicans.
New Orleans has the clearest path to acquiring KD out of these teams as well with a treasure trove of future draft picks and young talent they could move. There is a myriad of trade combinations the team could choose from but the basics would be at least four future Pelicans draft picks and some combination of either Hayes, Brandon Ingram, C.J. McCollum, or possibly even Zion Williamson.
Considering his injury history would the Pelicans be willing to move Zion with draft picks and a veteran contract in exchange for Durant?
There are plenty of avenues for the Pelicans to make themselves one of the front runners in any race for Durant they have the rare ability to open the cap space while keeping the majority of their young core and send draft picks to Brooklyn.
The Pelicans with Kevin Durant may not be the clear favorites in the west but they would certainly be worlds better and a team the Lakers wouldn’t want to face come playoff time.