The countdown to Kevin Durant’s free agency has already begun in places like New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Washington and especially Oklahoma City, where the next 18 months will fly by faster than Russell Westbrook on the break.
Phil Jackson and the Knicks have until July 1, 2016 to get their house in order and here’s something Jackson can latch onto: The Knicks are in play.
“No question about it,” says a person close to Durant. “Kevin loves Carmelo (Anthony). It could work in New York. But never rule out the Thunder.”
OKC is under the gun to return to the NBA Finals for the first time in three years and give Durant every reason to re-sign with the club long-term. GM Sam Presti is a pro-active executive, which is his greatest strength and weakness. Remember James Harden?
Presti already made one significant trade this month by acquiring Dion Waiters from the Cavs. And according to a source, Presti nearly traded Reggie Jackson to Denver this week, but the deal fell apart.
The Knicks have expressed interest in Jackson, but word coming out of the Thunder locker room is that Durant is not a big fan of the free-agent-to-be guard. And depending on whom you talk to, there are also whispers that Durant is growing increasingly frustrated with Russell Westbrook, whose style is shoot first, ask questions later.
The question for Presti and coach Scott Brooks will eventually be: continue to build around Durant and Westbrook, or trade Westbrook for a point guard more to Durant’s liking.
Durant is close to Derek Fisher, his former teammate, and admires Knicks executives Steve Mills and Allan Houston. But is that enough to get Durant to New York? The Lakers will have cap space, Dallas is a perennial contender and Washington is home.
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The Lakers have several advantages over the Knicks that make them a more appealing destination for free agents. Los Angeles has the better climate, a winning tradition, a history of signing elite stars and Kobe Bryant’s expiring contract in the summer of 2016.
Kevin Durant will be in play in two summers, absolutely. But will Durant prefer to join a breaking-down Carmelo Anthony or a Lakers team that could allow Durant to choose his running mate?
_________________ Endgame Hail Hydra
Last edited by Iron Mamba on Sat Jan 31, 2015 9:42 am; edited 1 time in total
Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 35812 Location: Santa Clarita, CA (Hell) ->>>>>Ithaca, NY -≥≥≥≥≥Berkeley, CA
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 9:42 am Post subject:
Here's a question: Is Durant really the best player on OKC, or is it really Westbrook? _________________ Damian Lillard shatters Dwight Coward's championship dreams:
This is just speculation, and the only actual information is a vague comment from "a person close to Durant." We're going to see a lot of this over the next 18 months.
Here's a question: Is Durant really the best player on OKC, or is it really Westbrook?
Depends on what you value in a player. Most people would pick Durant, but some would argue for Westbrook. Personally, I regard Westbrook as a talented knucklehead.
Here's a question: Is Durant really the best player on OKC, or is it really Westbrook?
Depends on what you value in a player. Most people would pick Durant, but some would argue for Westbrook. Personally, I regard Westbrook as a talented knucklehead.
Westbrook in LA is far more likely than Durant in LA. We just don't have enough time and resources IMO to get a team in place that will be to Durant's liking. _________________ From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals
Westbrook has not been playing very well lately. I would holdup on people who want to trade Lakers assets for him especially Randle and the top 5 pick.
Joined: 16 Apr 2014 Posts: 1526 Location: Vancouver BC
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:00 am Post subject:
CandyCanes wrote:
Here's a question: Is Durant really the best player on OKC, or is it really Westbrook?
Good question. I feel Westbrook is closing the gap. Their situation reminds me of Shaq and Kobe. At first Shaq was clearly better, more dominant, more talented but with hard work, Kobe got to that level. I think the same thing is happening in OKC.
Westbrook is also much more charismatic, he belongs with the Lakers, he belongs in the Hollywood culture, he is honestly the most charismatic player since Kobe and most likely also the most hard working and most competitive. He is more like Kobe than anyone else. Guess maybe thats why I like him so much
He fits everything the Lakers are about to a tee.
Obviously, you don't say no to either of them but I do feel we have a better chance to sign Westbrook if we get an opportunity. Lakers are where he belongs and I'm sure he knows it himself.
Last edited by LakersNewEra on Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:03 am; edited 1 time in total
Westbrook's likelihood of being on the Lakers in 2017? Pretty certain IMO, with or without Durant. _________________ From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals
Don't see anything that says "Durant has eyes set on Knicks". More like wishful thinking by a few teams. _________________ "It's just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up."-The Greatest
Here's a question: Is Durant really the best player on OKC, or is it really Westbrook?
This is Shaq and Kobe all over again. Durant being more like Shaq and Westbrook like Kobe. I think Durant ends up with the Wizards and Westbrook with the Lakers.
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