NBA: Who Will Sign Kevin Durant?
Kevin Durant was the 2014 NBA MVP and has led his Thunder team to the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons, including three trips to the Western Conference Finals and one berth in the 2012 NBA Finals. Durant has averaged 27.4 points per game during his nine year career, and is widely considered as one of the top five players in the world. He will be a free agent for the second time in his career, after signing a five year extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Most teams will be looking to sign Durant, but only a handful have a serious chance.
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder: Durant was drafted by this organization and it has been his home for the majority of the last decade. He is likely to sign a short term deal (one year with a second year option is probable) and become a free agent again soon. That will allow him to stay and give the Thunder the benefit of the doubt, while still getting multiple huge contracts in his career, and leave if he becomes unhappy. Durant, the rest of his teammates, and the Thunder organization are bothered by the fact that they are not the top team in the Western Conference which could cause KD to look elsewhere.The Thunder may look to sign other free agents or make trades, if they want to hang on to Durant long term and contend at the highest level. This scenario seems like it's the most likely. It is what Durant should and will do in my opinion.
(2) Boston Celtics: This would be one of the more interesting destinations for Durant to land. He would be the main superstar on the Celtics, but would have a very talented supporting cast. The thought of Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Durant, Amir Johnson, and Jared Sullinger is quite scary. Then adding on a high draft pick (projected third overall), which could turn into Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, Dragan Bender, etc. Boston also has five picks in the second round, which could be traded in a package for a veteran big man. The Celtics were already the fifth best team in the Eastern Conference (48-34), adding on Durant alone would make them the second best team in the conference. Durant may be enticed by being on the East Coast, and playing in the Eastern Conference. I think this is unlikely as of now but if Danny Ainge plays his cards right, it is still a possibility.
(3) San Antonio Spurs: Earlier this week, Zach Lowe and Marc Stein of ESPN reported the Spurs will go after Durant in the offseason. San Antonio is known for their core group of veteran players in Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker. However, this season it has been more about the young guys. Lamarcus Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard are two of the best forwards in the league, combined with Durant would be dominant. Even though the Golden State Warriors (73-9) and Spurs (67-15) had historically good seasons, they are both reported to try and sign Durant. It would make more sense for Durant to sign with San Antonio, in my opinion. KD wants to be the main superstar which he would be on the Spurs and he would be able to compete for a title year in and year out.
(4) Miami Heat: Pat Riley and the Heat seem to always be in the mix for big time free agents. Durant fits the bill and would be a great fit in South Beach. He would be the alpha dog, but would have a good core surrounding him. Dwyane Wade is past his prime but is still a good player that has no problem with being the second option. Chris Bosh and Goran Dragic would complement Durant's game as well. Bosh would be able to play a similar offensive role to what Serge Ibaka does in Oklahoma City right now. While Dragic would be able to spread the ball and find scorers all around him. If the Heat did sign Durant, then they would probably not be able to bring back Hassan Whiteside. Durant is looking to find a team that he can win multiple championships with and Miami would have a chance to, but would not be as likely as the other teams on this list.
(5) Golden State Warriors: If Durant cares just about winning, then the Warriors would be his choice. They are the defending champions, who just set a record for most regular season wins, and are currently working on another title. Golden State is the best team in the NBA right now, with the best backcourt, and an All-Star power forward in Draymond Green. Stephen Curry, Andrew Bogut, Durant, Green, and Klay Thompson would be near unstoppable. Durant will definitely take a look at the Warriors, but I am not sure how interested Golden State is in signing Durant. Obviously they would love to have another great player, but it would mean losing Harrison Barnes and at least another role player. The Warriors would have to weigh their options and see if they are okay with losing a couple players that have helped them become so successful.
Kevin Durant will be able to pick from several suitors. Whoever wins the Durant sweepstakes will be getting a great player who wants to win right now. I expect the Thunder to hold on to their superstar for at least one more season.
