An interesting nugget in Zach Lowe’s latest this week at Grantland:

The Warriors have an intense interest in how this all works out. If the cap jumps unchecked into the $90 million range in 2016-17, the Dubs, even with Thompson’s pricey new deal, could re-sign one of the Draymond Green/Harrison Barnes duo and still have enough cap space to fit a max contract for Kevin Durant or some other player.

The Rockets, of course, would also be one of the teams finding themselves in, or close to being in, such a cap situation if the figure jumps at the unprecedented rate.  There’s a thinking–I read somewhere–that it may come down to just Wizards and Thunder.  But Houston, Marc Stein first reported, fully intends to pursue Durant, and if he becomes available, I’d like their chances as much as anyone.  Much of this depends on what happens with the Thunder these next two seasons, and this season’s circumstances aren’t helping matters any.  If Oklahoma City parts ways with Reggie Jackson this summer, as some believe could be the case, you’d have to wonder if Durant would see that as the final straw.

Either way, I have to ask: why is it a pipe dream?  The Rockets will position themselves financially to be able to make a run, and you have to figure they’ll still be in contention (especially if this season’s start is any indication of what’s yet to come).  Is it highly unlikely to happen?  Yes, of course.  But pipedream?  Not at all.  Not unless you think guys don’t dream/talk about playing together on the same team one day as their best friend.  As long as James Harden is playing at a high level, in those Chinese national team uniforms, you had better believe the Rockets will at least be a part of that discussion.