Kevin Durant's contract with the Thunders would end next year. Having that in mind, many teams are now trying their best for a shot of signing in the soon to be free agent in their team. Teams with big names and records are on the run in establishing some contact and possible contract with the 2014 NBA Most Valuable Player. In the early months of this year, many transfer rumors and alleged backdoor deals have been reported.
May this year, there were already reports that the current NBA Champion, Golden State Warriors has been eyeing for Durant's free agency year. This rumor was announced by Mychal Thompson on 710 ESPN. And via lakersnation Thompson stated that, "I also heard it on good authority from a team that plays in the Bay Area that they're going to go hard after Kevin Durant."
If indeed true, then Durant transferring to Warriors would give him greater chance of achieving an NBA title or even multiple titles in the process. However, if he would be added in the Warriors' roster, Durant would have to condescend as the team's second star player, of course behind Curry. And from a team perspective, welcoming Durant would mean a possible exit of some members of their core lineup. But still with K.D on their lineup, Warriors would still be a powerhouse to be reckoned with in the succeeding NBA seasons.
Another team which would be very happy if Durant would sign in with them would be the Lakers. It's no secret that together with Kobe Bryant, the team is having trouble with their game. Despite the presence of promising young core on their team, Lakers are still in a 1 win and 6 losses standing. Perhaps the presence of Durant next season would significantly change their rhythm. NBA reported that Stephen Smith via ESPN's First Take said that, "I'm hearing if Kevin Durant doesn't stay in OKC, L.A. Is his primary objective and landing spot as opposed to South Beach or even his home of Washington, DC."
However, such rumor was then extinguished by Durant himself. Durant stated via nba that, "I don't talk to Stephen A. Smith at all. Nobody in my family, my friends, they don't talk to Stephen A. Smith, so he's lying." Too bad for Lakers, for K.D's denial would mean they lost another possible face of their franchise. And for Durant, such decision is somehow wise, for joining a team that is in the process of rebuilding would mean greater challenges in his pursuit for an NBA title. But such difficulty would only be momentary, especially if the Lakers can keep their young and promising core intact.
Aside from the other teams in the NBA wanting Durant in their team, the Houston Rockets also has their take in this rumor mill. According to yardbarker, the Rockets is making Kevin Durant as their top priority. Yardbarker detailed that such thing would materialize if Ty Lawson's $13.2 million salary for next season would be waived, if they "could also choose to keep Lawson - if Durant wanted to play with him - and figure out how to trade anyone else on their roster not named James Harden or Dwight Howard," said yardbarker.
If indeed Durant would choose to play with the Rockets, then it would be a reunion with his former Thunder teammate, James Harden the MVP runner-up. Overall the team is significantly showing some improvements, which would mean a greater chance for Durant to capture the elusive NBA title.
Last but not the least; the Oklahoma City Thunder would also be vying for Durant. Despite some rumors of the possible transfer of Durant, there are still some reports that K.D will choose to stay in the Thunder, the team who drafted him in 2007. If Durant would choose to stay in the Thunder, then he would still enjoy being the face of the franchise. He could also enjoy a possible five year contract with them while maintaining the trio together with Ibaka and Westbrook. However, Thunder's Big Three could possibly be dismantled if ever, Ibaka and Westbrook leave during their free agency year in 2017.
Still the ones highlighted above are rumors based on speculations and sometimes on fans ideal imagination. That is why it would be better to remain calm and wait for 2016 for Durant to decide. And for now, let just not assume unless otherwise stated.
