Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant may soon be one of the hottest free agents to hit the market after midnight on July 1, and it looks like one-third of the teams in the NBA will be vying for his services.
But given his history, after coming up short in the NBA Finals and title games, it seems unlikely that he’d leave Oklahoma City for a team that isn’t already a contender.
That makes it tough for teams like the Knicks, Rockets, Clippers and Heat, unless they can make a pitch as to why they have the supporting cast to make a title run. However, teams like the Spurs and Warriors do, so it’s no surprise that those teams, as well as the Thunder, were among the first three to be granted meetings with the superstar.
Story online soon: Sources say Warriors, Spurs & incumbent Thunder are first three known teams to land recruiting meetings with Kevin Durant
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 25, 2016
The Warriors recently stated that they feel their odds of landing Durant increased when they lost to the Cavs in the NBA Finals, probably because they’d be hungry to avenge their loss. But how would he feel about sharing the spotlight with reigning MVP Stephen Curry?
And for the Spurs, right now, it looks like they’ll head into the free agency period assuming that only one member, Manu Ginobili or possibly even Tony Parker, of the “Big Three” will return. That’d give Durant the opportunity to get his fair share of shot attempts, playing alongside LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard.
The Thunder recently traded away Serge Ibaka, but still look like the best option for Durant, right now. The addition of Victor Oladipo will give the team a pure shooter to stretch the defense and open things up for Durant and Russell Westbrook, and the Thunder have the fewest glaring weaknesses/roster holes of any team, at least at this time.
It would make sense for Durant to sign a two-year deal with OKC, with the second year being a player option. But it looks as if he’s going to listen to a few offers and figure out what the best possible fit and move for his future is.
