NBA free agency has been absolutely outrageous this year. Dwight Howard has made a move to the Hawks for a three-year contract worth over $20 million a year, Joakim Noah has followed Derrick Rose to the Knicks on the back of a four-year $72 million dollar contract, and Mike Conley (yes, that Mike Conley) signed the highest paying contract in NBA history to remain with the Memphis Grizzlies. These are just a few of the outrageous contracts that have been signed so far just a few days into free agency, yet and still, everyone waits for the announcement of where one more free agent will fall: Oklahoma City's prolific scoring SF, Kevin Durant.
Currently, KD is in the process of meeting with teams and NBA fans (and I'm sure team owners) are at the edge of their seat waiting for Durant to show signs of where he will play next season. Many believe that Durant has his eye on championship contention after being knocked out in the Western Conference Finals after leading the Golden State Warriors 3 games to 1. So the question remains: which team does KD think gives him the best chance to win the league? Where will KD go?
Here is a list of teams in KD's (supposed) free agency consideration:
Golden State Warriors
Yep, if you can't beat em join em. Kevin Durant has already met with the Golden State Warriors, and it seems as if the team that defeated him is certainly glad to have him on board after seeing his production in the Western Conference Finals. One big concern about KD's ability to join GSW is clearing up cap space which will require the trading of one of two players: Andrew Bogut or Andre Igoudala. This is one of the more unlikely moves because of the moving pieces as well as the history involving the teams, but the addition of KD would definitely make them favorites to win the west.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are a historic squad full of youth following the retirement of the legendary Kobe Bryant. In addition to the young talent D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, and the 2016 #2 pick in Brandon Ingram, the Lakers also have a bit of older talent and scoring capability in Nick Young, Metta World Peace, and newest signee from the Miami Heat Luol Deng. KD could fit in well with this squad and bring in an extra aspect of scoring and experience that is well needed. This could be a move that would benefit KD and the Los Angeles Lakers alike.
Los Angeles Clippers
"Blown away" were the words used by one of KD's closest friends about his meeting with the Los Angeles Clippers. With Doc Rivers sitting in a meeting imploring you to come play for his squad, how could you not be in awe? The Clips would definitely be a good fit for KD with Deandre Jordan, Blake Griffin, and Chris Paul all expected to return next season. A team this solid would definitely be a contender in the west.
San Antonio Spurs
KD has yet to meet with the Spurs as of the writing of this article, but I expect that this wouldn't be one of his top choices. The Spurs are looking at having to rebuild in a few years as Tim Duncan, who just utilized his player option to return for a year, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili all are nearing retirement. The current Spurs could give Durant a good chance at chasing a ring in the east next year along the solid production that the Spurs are known for and the excellent all-around play of Kawhi Leonard, but beyond that, the future of the franchise competitively is in question. If you're a Spurs fan, I wouldn't hold your breath.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are rebuilding in the best way, and I'm sure this will be the headline of the pitch they give to KD. With one of the best point guards in the league, Isaiah Thomas, and a solid starting and bench, KD could easily step into this developing team and have an immediate impact while making a continual push toward a championship. The Eastern Conference is certainly less competitive, so in Durant's eyes, this may be an optimal opportunity for him to pursue that elusive championship. I would still think that the Celtics would be toward the bottom of KD's list, but I wouldn't be in complete awe if he chose to don the green and white next season.
Miami Heat
This is probably the most interesting story on this list, but probably not one of KD's top choices at this point. The Miami Heat have already lost Luol Deng to the Lakers and Joe Johnson to the Jazz, Chris Bosh's return is uncertain facing his chronic illness and Dwayne Wade is also an unrestricted free agent and could be making a move of his own. Hassan Whiteside signed a new deal with the heat, but I couldn't see Kevin Durant believing the Miami Heat to be worth the move without the support of Dwayne Wade. The Miami Heat seem to be waiting to field Wade a deal based on the perception they obtain from their discussions with Kevin Durant. However, sources say that Dwayne Wade is growing tired of waiting and may consider making a move to New York to join Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Carmelo Anthony or to Chicago to play alongside Jimmy Butler. All things considered, this move is probably still not the strongest for KD, but with his free agency having such a distinct effect on this team's free agency so far, it will be interesting to see how it all pans out.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Kevin Durant hasn't succeeded thus far, but he can of course, still try again. OKC remains mostly intact giving KD the ability to return and play along a team that he knows that he has had relative success with. One question has to be continually looming in KD's mind, however: can I win a championship with this team and with this system that has already failed me before?
Honorable Mentions:
Washington Wizards
Many KD supporters are urging him to return to his home in DC. This would be a solid move as he would get to play alongside John Wall in an environment that he is familiar with, but the pressure that he will most likely face in the homecoming scenario will probably deter him from this move.
New York Knicks
The Knicks have done their best to put together a squad that is attractive to free agents this offseason. Acquiring Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah were smart additions to a squad that needed more explosive defense and an increase in offensive production. Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis had a solid season and have shown hints that the Knicks could be a better team. The addition of Kevin Durant could be the push the team needs to contend in the Eastern Conference and beyond.