Now that Kevin Durant‘s season has ended, the smart money seems to be on him re-signing with Oklahoma City this summer, probably on a two-year deal with a player option. That will allow him to become a free agent again next summer, when as a 10-year veteran and Tier Three Max player, he will be eligible for a five-year offer from the Thunder worth more than $200MM. It would also time his free agency with Russell Westbrook‘s and let both players decide at the same time if they want to remain in OKC.
But before Durant signs anything, he’s going to hear a lot of offers — from GMs and players alike. Boston’s Isaiah Thomas and Washington’s John Wall both said this weekend that they plan to aggressively recruit Durant. James Harden will make a similar pitch in Houston, as will Carmelo Anthony in New York. Even media figures are getting into the game, as the Ringer’s Bill Simmons, a well-known Celtics fan, penned a column advising Durant that his path to the NBA Finals would be much easier in the East.
The Spurs, Heat and Warriors are the front-runners to land Durant if he does leave Oklahoma City, and all three can sell him on the luxury of remaining with a title contender. More remote possibilities include the Clippers, who would have to trade Chris Paul, Blake Griffin or DeAndre Jordan to clear enough cap space, and the Lakers, who have plenty of cap room and a good young core in place, along with a tradition that Durant might find intriguing.
That brings us to tonight’s question: If Durant leaves the Thunder, where will he be playing next season? Should the Warriors be considered the favorites? Would he be better off in the Eastern Conference? Or is there another contender that we’ve overlooked?
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the topic. We look forward to what you have to say.
If he leaves the thunder, Spurs would be the smartest choice I feel. Hall of fame coach, and great supporting cast. Would almost definitely contend with the Warriors for top spot. If he went to the Warriors he’d be second fiddle to curry. And if he went somewhere else besides those two he won’t be able to beat the Warriors or Cavs, they’re too strong. But I still think he should at the very least try another year with the thunder considering how well they did this year in the post season.
1+1 He’ll go for the money and then pick a new team next year. But if teams go crazy this offseason he may have limited options.
While I agree that he should sign a one year deal with an option for the second year, I don’t think it would be a guarantee he leaves the Thunder (presuming he does resign). If the Thunder were to win it all or make the finals I think he stays. If the Thunder make it to the WCF and Westbrook (or some other star player) decides to go to OKC then I can also see him staying. In my opinion, Durant doesn’t seem like the guy who is going to chase the money nor is being in a big market spotlight (like NY or LA) a big deal to him. He could easily sign with one of the NY or LA teams if they are good by then, but I don’t think he would sign with one of those teams just for the exposure (considering he’s one of the most recognizable and famous players in today’s game, I doubt going to a big market is really going to affect his earnings or image). OKC might not be a bad place to stay considering GS’s roster will be extremely different two years from now (mainly they won’t have as much bench depth due to contracts they’re going to have to give out these next two offseasons).
Just read he bought landed in Memphis to build a mansion close to the arena.
His best spot in my opinion is Boston. In Boston he competes right away with a team that not only has a great team in the easy easy but they’re also set up for the long term with the amount of picks and young players they have. Now whether he wants to live there or not is an entirely different question. If he’s choosing solely to win though I’d go to the Celtics. It’s not guarantee they win with durant but that would be a great starting lineup and a very deep bench with durant. Thomas Durant and Crowder would be a great core. Now I don’t know about their salary situation but they do have the assets to add a great center like cousins or someone not quite on that level like okafor
He aint goin nowhere this year
If he leaves, it’ll be for brand reasons.
Which means he’ll go to the Lakers.
If he wants to win, he’ll stay with OKC after what they accomplished this year.
Brand reasons? Outside of Kobe and Jordan (since they’re retired), he’s probably the 2nd or 3rd most popular player in the NBA (behind LeBron and Curry). He’s already a big brand name, going to a big market (NY or LA) isn’t going to do anything for his brand. It’s different for a guy like LaMarcus Aldridge who might not be known by casual basketball fans and going to a big market might be appealing. Durant, however, is pretty much known by even the most casual of basketball fans, going to a big market is not that valuable to a player like him.