There is a certain gravity that comes with greatness.

In sports and elsewhere, the elite has a special way of attracting the attention and admiration of others. The same goes for the Golden State Warriors, who won a third title four years earlier this month and now find themselves with a chance to make the most of their unique magnetism in free will – again [19659008] describe me at midnight, here's how …

It's been almost two years since Kevin Durant was attracted to the gravitational force of Golden State, and he has said several times recently that he had the # 1 The intention to sign again. But there are rumors that Durant will make another contract more than one, rather than signing a $ 158 million contract, which would put the Warriors in first position to strengthen their bench because of the savings of 39, luxury tax that would be Si Durant accepts a two-year contract with a player option in the second season, it would be already seen after his donation of nearly $ 10 million last summer helped the Warriors to keep Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston. On a more than one contract, Durant's salary for next season would be $ 30 million (as opposed to the $ 35.3 million it would have been on a four-year contract).

MORE NBA: [19659008] This $ 5.3 million makes a huge difference in overall cost because the Warriors would have to pay an additional tax of $ 3.25 per dollar at the time they will make decisions about the distribution of support. Thus, a player who received the full exception of $ 5.3 million for taxpayers at an intermediate level would actually cost $ 22.5 million. In comparison, a minimum wage of $ 2.3 million would cost about $ 7.1 million (the NBA only taxes $ 1.5 million on minimum transactions).

All of this matters, of course, because there are compelling candidates on the Warriors. radar. But after a season in which players like Nick Young and Omri Casspi have not paid as they had hoped, it remains to be seen whether owner Joe Lacob and his group are willing to pay big for peripheral parts.

The center of the stars Dwight Howard, who has not yet completed the planned purchase of the Brooklyn Nets, has a serious interest in joining the Warriors. But there remains skepticism in the walls of the Warriors as to whether he would be a good fit, with Howard also known to be interested in joining LeBron James (where he ends up), New Orleans and Washington.

Considering that coach Steve Kerr just got a three-year extension that would have netted his salary to an eight-figure territory a year, it's safe to assume that he'll have a voice significant here. And if Howard could find a way to ease concerns about chemistry, it could give Golden State the kind of rim protector they need – especially if JaVale McGee is also a free agent and will not come back.

If Houston little striker Trevor Ariza can not find a big time paycheck with the Rockets or anyone else, the prospect of joining the Warriors on a one year contract is known to be interesting. Golden State also discussed Avery Bradley as an option, which is not a surprise to anyone who has seen the eight-year veteran hunt down the Warriors scorers in recent years. Bradley's season was interrupted by abdominal surgery in March and he played only 46 games against Detroit and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Jamal Crawford, former Warrior goalie and sixth man of the year, has serious interests in joining the Warriors. also, and he is well aware that this would require a financial sacrifice to participate. The Warriors also have an interest in Crawford, but it seems like a minimum wage would be the only way to do it.

Follow USA TODAY Sports & # 39; Sam Amick on Twitter @Sam_Amick