Welcome to San Antonio, KD!!!

[cutewizard]

DURANT TO THE SPURS, BOOL IT!


I REMAIN STEADFAST!

[$pursDynasty]

To me if KD remains in OKC there are three super powers in the West, however were he to leave OKC and go to either GS or SA there would be only two, that would mean only one rival to contend with out West. So by leaving he actually improves his chances, there is also the possibility of Russ bolting somewhere else.
If the choice is between GS and SA, while joining the Dubs might give him the stronger possibility of winning the title, there is next to no chance that the Dubs would ever be seen as "his" team. Even if he could prove to be the best player it would be Curry's team much like the Heat always belonged to Wade. While as long as TD draws breath the Spurs would be seen as his, if KD were to join the Spurs, it is easy to envision him becoming the teams, top scorer. Which would enable Kiwi to concentrate on being the league's top lock down perimeter defender. The media could easily see the Spurs as KD's team, with strong contributions from KL and LA. While the "Servant" doesn't appear as ego driven as many NBA stars, being the 'man' might be of some importance to him.

[cutewizard]

best basketball decision is ============ THE BEST SPORTS ORG IN THE PLANET, THE SPURS!

[tmtcsc]

This is all a circus in my opinion. KD wants to experience the process but in the end will just go back to OKC. The Spurs would be wise to treat it for what its worth and move on to other pressing, realistic areas. -- Pau Gasol and Mike Conley can address those.

I read one report that Tim Duncan was coming along with Pop to make the pitch. Not Kawhi, not Aldridge.

[TheGreatYacht]

This is all a circus in my opinion. KD wants to experience the process but in the end will just go back to OKC. The Spurs would be wise to treat it for what its worth and move on to other pressing, realistic areas. -- Pau Gasol and Mike Conley can address those.

I read one report that Tim Duncan was coming along with Pop to make the pitch. Not Kawhi, not Aldridge.
Did you say this about LMA last year as well?

[tmtcsc]

Did you say this about LMA last year as well?

No. It was clear that LMA was leaving Portland. I thought the Spurs were the clear favorites and was more surprised that Phoenix was even in the equation. If KD wants to come, you cut or move whoever you have to (not named Kawhi Leonard or Aldridge) to make it happen.

[venitian navigator]

This is all a circus in my opinion. KD wants to experience the process but in the end will just go back to OKC. The Spurs would be wise to treat it for what its worth and move on to other pressing, realistic areas. -- Pau Gasol and Mike Conley can address those.

I read one report that Tim Duncan was coming along with Pop to make the pitch. Not Kawhi, not Aldridge.

there is a reason for this...Tim is still the face of the franchise and the best connected with Manu. Also has a player option that, in case of kd signing, has to be renounced in favor of a minimum salary. in few words, he can confirm to kd, together with Pop, the exact situation, team wise, he's going into, meaning the old big three plus the new big three...plus whatever is possible to add.

[RD2191]

Tbh both OKC and GS have a better shot of winning it all next year. We're maybe 3rd or 4th out west. People are really underestamating how shitty our roster is. We have no bench. A broken down center and a fat PG. Are LMA and Kawhi enough to lure him here? I doubt it.

[Duncan2177]

Tbh both OKC and GS have a better shot of winning it all next year. We're maybe 3rd or 4th out west. People are really underestamating how shitty our roster is. We have no bench. A broken down center and a fat PG. Are LMA and Kawhi enough to lure him here? I doubt it.
https://i.imgflip.com/khcee.jpg

[noles1983]

Tbh both OKC and GS have a better shot of winning it all next year. We're maybe 3rd or 4th out west. People are really underestamating how shitty our roster is. We have no bench. A broken down center and a fat PG. Are LMA and Kawhi enough to lure him here? I doubt it.

agreed, our roster as of now is shit

[SAGirl]

This is all a circus in my opinion. KD wants to experience the process but in the end will just go back to OKC. The Spurs would be wise to treat it for what its worth and move on to other pressing, realistic areas. -- Pau Gasol and Mike Conley can address those.

I read one report that Tim Duncan was coming along with Pop to make the pitch. Not Kawhi, not Aldridge.
I read that too and I don't know if it's a rumor. The entire core courted Aldridge personally. It could mean they knew Aldridge was definitely leaving Portland. There was no question in anyone's mind that Aldridge was gone from the Blazers. The Durant thing is a lot more uncertain. He's said he's not sure and wants to be courted. He's not a lock to leave like Aldridge was. So they are taking it for what it is and TD himself may be considering retirement still and wants to measure Durant's personal desire to actually leave OKC personally so they can pursue other guys who do want to get out of their current teams like Conley. But the Tim thing is speculation.

Not a fan of the Conley possibility. He really might be near decline too, but just stating it as one of other guys they will be quick to move on to meet after Durant.

[ceperez]

I read that too and I don't know if it's a rumor. The entire core courted Aldridge personally. It could mean they knew Aldridge was definitely leaving Portland. There was no question in anyone's mind that Aldridge was gone from the Blazers. The Durant thing is a lot more uncertain. He's said he's not sure and wants to be courted. He's not a lock to leave like Aldridge was. So they are taking it for what it is and TD himself may be considering retirement still and wants to measure Durant's personal desire to actually leave OKC personally so they can pursue other guys who do want to get out of their current teams like Conley. But the Tim thing is speculation.

Not a fan of the Conley possibility. He really might be near decline too, but just stating it as one of other guys they will be quick to move on to meet after Durant.

I seriously doubt that KD will trade OKC or GSW for SAS. OKC and GSW have much better younger talent than the Spurs. Both Green and Aldridge around 30 years old.

I wouldn't trust a conley signing, he's all banged up and we still have Parker in the books.

Spurs on chance is really for their other players to become better.

I would like Spurs to get Batum, however it seems like he's GSW plan B!

[SAGirl]

I seriously doubt that KD will trade OKC or GSW for SAS. OKC and GSW have much better younger talent than the Spurs. Both Green and Aldridge around 30 years old.

I wouldn't trust a conley signing, he's all banged up and we still have Parker in the books.

Spurs on chance is really for their other players to become better.

I would like Spurs to get Batum, however it seems like he's GSW plan B! I agree with you.

[Ditty]

I think something that may really benefit us is that he seems to love the city of Austin. I think he said a while back that he would like to live there again one day. It's about a little over of a hour drive from I-35 to the AT&T Center if he would decide to live out there. Both cities are really growing into each other fast that's probably going to be a huge metro area like Dallas-Fort Worth is right now one day. Just a little further but if they're building this train from San Antonio to Austin like they have been proposing lately you could be in both cities in a matter of minutes.

[houston spurs fan]

If he leaves OKC for anyone he loses about $85 million dollars. It's not happening, we need to focus our efforts elsewhere

[Chillen]

Durant would not get enough touches with the Warriors, the ball will go to either Curry or Thompson all the time. If he's willing to team with Green as a distributor with an occasional shot, fine. Spurs offer a deep team and a chance for him to be the face of the franchise, for the Warriors it's always gonna be Curry.

[RD2191]

If he leaves OKC for anyone he loses about $85 million dollars. It's not happening, we need to focus our efforts elsewhere

Agreed, faggot.

[houston spurs fan]

Agreed, faggot.
Glad you do faggot

[NASpurs]

Do it RC

http://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/283/2016/05/06131636/durant-spurs.jpg

[hater]

:lmao delusional spurmsfan

Kd is not coming to mexico

[Emperor]

I seriously doubt that KD will trade OKC or GSW for SAS. OKC and GSW have much better younger talent than the Spurs. Both Green and Aldridge around 30 years old.

I wouldn't trust a conley signing, he's all banged up and we still have Parker in the books.

Spurs on chance is really for their other players to become better.

I would like Spurs to get Batum, however it seems like he's GSW plan B!

Might be too pricey for someone coming off the bench.

[jermaine]

I seriously think KD is not a fan of Curry the way he came out an said Curry just take bad shots, most of them just goes in. But he called Kawhi a system player but reniged on his words an started speaking highly of Kawhi. Was it flak or is it just "Respeck on his name"... Idk but I know if KD signs here, he an LMA would be the go to guys an Kawhi could keep all his focus on the defensive side of the ball.... KD wouldn't be the man in GS. He'd be worse off than he was in in OKC.

[Ditty]

I'm suprised Aldridge won't be at the meeting, they seem to be good buddies . Though last year Kawhi and Parker I believe showed up to the meeting with Aldridge at the last minute. Pop/Kawhi's relationship with KD has really increased a lot recently. He was praising both of them so much this past season, even more than Aldridge did before he signed with us. Pop is the best recruiter in the league also at this point. I don't believe one bit that the Warriors are front runners, just shit thrown against the wall and hope it sticks. If it's not true, the reporter will make up something that KD changed his mind at the last second.

[TrainOfThought5]

Tbh both OKC and GS have a better shot of winning it all next year. We're maybe 3rd or 4th out west. People are really underestamating how shitty our roster is. We have no bench. A broken down center and a fat PG. Are LMA and Kawhi enough to lure him here? I doubt it.

Sobering but salient.

[Hoops Czar]

I seriously doubt that KD will trade OKC or GSW for SAS. OKC and GSW have much better younger talent than the Spurs. Both Green and Aldridge around 30 years old.

I wouldn't trust a conley signing, he's all banged up and we still have Parker in the books.

Spurs on chance is really for their other players to become better.

I would like Spurs to get Batum, however it seems like he's GSW plan B!

My dream scenario would be to sign Mike Conley and do a S&T with Charlotte, Batum for Green. Conley's injury history is a little concerning but the Spurs would have a backup pg on the roster that helped navigate the Spurs to a 67 win regular season. In Conley, you're basically signing him for his prime years so it's not a terrible gamble like it was signing Parker to an extension at age 34. Also, it's better to sign Conley than sign some mid tier player to the same max contract and getting less bang for your buck. The available free agent pg's are slim picking over the next couple of years.

[Ditty]

Holy shit, I'm not a homer one bit but if the Spurs signed Durant they would be the favorites to win it all for at least the next three years :lol It would be the greatest team probably ever configured tbh.

OKC would be irrelevant, and Spurs would match up exceptionally well with the Warriors & Cavs. You could have a bunch of decent role players around the Spurs for one season, and next season when the cap goes up even more you could probably add more proven role players to win it all again.

[BillMc]

As I said, the Dubs not winning the championship really hurt us in the Durant sweepstakes because he now can go to Oakland without being perceived as riding their coat tails.

While you should take it with a huge grain of salt, Chris Boussard has it as a two team race Dubs and Thunder:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:16421840

Would love to be wrong, but I think we're a distant third right now in the KD race.

[NASpurs]

As I said, the Dubs not winning the championship really hurt us in the Durant sweepstakes because he now can go to Oakland without being perceived as riding their coat tails.

While you should take it with a huge grain of salt, Chris Boussard has it as a two team race Dubs and Thunder:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:16421840

Would love to be wrong, but I think we're a distant third right now in the KD race.

Stopped reading.

[RD2191]

Don't take anything that idiot Broussard says seriously.

[RD2191]

Stopped reading.

Tbh

[Ditty]

Don't take anything that idiot Broussard says seriously.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

As I said, the Dubs not winning the championship really hurt us in the Durant sweepstakes because he now can go to Oakland without being perceived as riding their coat tails.

While you should take it with a huge grain of salt, Chris Boussard has it as a two team race Dubs and Thunder:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:16421840

Would love to be wrong, but I think we're a distant third right now in the KD race.

He isnt going tot he Dubs and if he does, the basketball gods will give him another Jones fracture. Going to GS would be a bigger Beta move than Lebron to Miami

[Ron Swanson]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Brl3W2mCIAADEzu.png

[ace3g]

I think it would be wise for the Spurs to include Aldridge in the recruitment of Durant. He had to make a similar decision last summer and could talk about his transition with the Spurs.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Lots of things going in the Spurs favor with Durant.

1. Will be #1 option and go to guy in the clutch (wont be at both OKC or GS)
2. Immediate title favorites (wont be at OKC)
3. Loves and respects Pop, we have the best coach prestige
4. No state income tax (GS high cost of living and taxes)
5. Went to UT, loves Austin, can team up with Aldridge (former Longhorn)
6. Respects Duncan, no Westbrook to steal the show in SA
7. Wont get roasted by media for coming here (he will get absolutely killed if he goes to GS)

All signs point to him staying in OKC or coming to SA. GS isnt serious unless Durant truly doesnt mind being the Beta on the team, but in my opinion, he wants to be the guy and wants to win a title, SA is the only team that can offer him everything he wants.

[james evans]

Lots of things going in the Spurs favor with Durant.

1. Will be #1 option and go to guy in the clutch (wont be at both OKC or GS)
2. Immediate title favorites (wont be at OKC)
3. Loves and respects Pop, we have the best coach prestige
4. No state income tax (GS high cost of living and taxes)
5. Went to UT, loves Austin, can team up with Aldridge (former Longhorn)
6. Respects Duncan, no Westbrook to steal the show in SA
7. Wont get roasted by media for coming here (he will get absolutely killed if he goes to GS)

All signs point to him staying in OKC or coming to SA. GS isnt serious unless Durant truly doesnt mind being the Beta on the team, but in my opinion, he wants to be the guy and wants to win a title, SA is the only team that can offer him everything he wants.
1 thing not going in favor of the spurs..

http://thesportsquotient.com/media/posts/23496/130207090021-tony-parker-iso-011113.1200x672.jpg

[noles1983]

would be interesting to see what would happen if hypothetically durant said he will sign if we get rid of parker.

[TD 21]

Which is why I still think the most likely outcome is Durant signing a 1-year deal with OKC this offseason and becoming a FA again next year. Gives him another year with Westbrook and then after the season is over they can both decide whether they want to stay together or go elsewhere.

Sorry, but I think it's completely unrealistic that he comes here. People are setting themselves up for disappointment if they think there's even a decent chance that he does so. I'd love to be proven wrong though.

Yeah, I always thought this was the most likely outcome, so long as the playoffs ended with him feeling like they still have a legit shot at a championship going forward and suffice it to say, mission accomplished.

Even if it wasn't, he was never coming to the Spurs. He mostly says the right things about them, but it's also been clear over the years that he's not a big fan and culturally, I can't imagine he sees himself as a fit. Throw in the awkward roster machinations required and it never made sense. This was always going to be between the Thunder and Warriors.

The only big name who might end up a Spur this off season, is Gasol and that's obviously dependent on Duncan retiring. Anyone getting their hopes up over big changes period, is going to be disappointed.

[noles1983]

we are screwed until we can get rid of parkers albatross contract. stuck being above average but not serious contenders

[spursistan]

181817433257029632

[sasaint]

would be interesting to see what would happen if hypothetically durant said he will sign if we get rid of parker.

:lmao

[sasaint]

Lots of things going in the Spurs favor with Durant.

1. Will be #1 option and go to guy in the clutch (wont be at both OKC or GS)
2. Immediate title favorites (wont be at OKC)
3. Loves and respects Pop, we have the best coach prestige
4. No state income tax (GS high cost of living and taxes)
5. Went to UT, loves Austin, can team up with Aldridge (former Longhorn)
6. Respects Duncan, no Westbrook to steal the show in SA
7. Wont get roasted by media for coming here (he will get absolutely killed if he goes to GS)

All signs point to him staying in OKC or coming to SA. GS isnt serious unless Durant truly doesnt mind being the Beta on the team, but in my opinion, he wants to be the guy and wants to win a title, SA is the only team that can offer him everything he wants.

Pop should have taken you to pitch Durant. :tu

I do not think it will happen, but you are a great salesman. All good points.

[sasaint]

we are screwed until we can get rid of parkers albatross contract. stuck being above average but not serious contenders

Like 10-12 other also-rans in the league. After almost 2 decades, 'tis a bitter pill.

[Snaq O'Meal]

would be interesting to see what would happen if hypothetically durant said he will sign if we get rid of parker.

Salaries have to be moved to sign Durant. If Parker is not traded, then Green is likely gone as his contract and skill set is far more valuable to other teams and hence is easier to move. But the right thing to do is still to ship Parker out for the good of the team.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Pop should have taken you to pitch Durant. :tu

I do not think it will happen, but you are a great salesman. All good points.

I got a sinking feeling it might happen after the Ibaka trade, to me that trade indicates they think he might leave.

[TheDoctor]

181817433257029632
That tweet is funny cause by that time Iguodala was playing for the 76ers then traded in the Summer to Denver. So Durant was sounding to get traded to the 76ers?

[99 Problems]

Pop should have taken you to pitch Durant. :tu

I do not think it will happen, but you are a great salesman. All good points.


+ No having Kawhi monster you for 40+ minutes.

[Snaq O'Meal]

+ No having Kawhi monster you for 40+ minutes.

Kawhi will still do that to him in practice sessions.

[midnightpulp]

OKC's big trade will probably convince KD to stay now. I'm with Zach Lowe opinion's that the trade doesn't make OKC significantly any better, but per KD's perception, he'll likely credit the organization for doing what's "necessary to win" and reward them with his loyalty.

:bang

[coachmac87]

OKC's big trade will probably convince KD to stay now. I'm with Zach Lowe opinion's that the trade doesn't make OKC significantly any better, but per KD's perception, he'll likely credit the organization for doing what's "necessary to win" and reward them with his loyalty.

:bang

KD: "It's a time to be selfish"

[8FOR!3]

Is Oladipo/Sabonis really a better duo than Waiters/Ibaka? I guess Oladipo's a little better than Waiters and has higher upside? Even though Waiters killed us in the Playoffs. And I love Sabonis' game but I'm shocked they gave up Ibaka and his shot blocking. I just don't get the trade. At all, if anything I see Sabonis being a solid starter in the future, but is he even gonna be a plus starter his rookie year?

[alamo50]

If KD joins our silver & black, I will be a lesser Spurs fan.
I can't even believe we are actually meeting him for talks.

[TheGreatYacht]

If KD joins our silver & black, I will be a lesser Spurs fan.
I can't even believe we are actually meeting him for talks.
The 3peat would make up for it :tu

[skulls138]

If KD joins our silver & black, I will be a lesser Spurs fan.
I can't even believe we are actually meeting him for talks.Huh?

[SpursforSix]

Lots of things going in the Spurs favor with Durant.

1. Will be #1 option and go to guy in the clutch (wont be at both OKC or GS)
2. Immediate title favorites (wont be at OKC)
3. Loves and respects Pop, we have the best coach prestige
4. No state income tax (GS high cost of living and taxes)
5. Went to UT, loves Austin, can team up with Aldridge (former Longhorn)
6. Respects Duncan, no Westbrook to steal the show in SA
7. Wont get roasted by media for coming here (he will get absolutely killed if he goes to GS)

All signs point to him staying in OKC or coming to SA. GS isnt serious unless Durant truly doesnt mind being the Beta on the team, but in my opinion, he wants to be the guy and wants to win a title, SA is the only team that can offer him everything he wants.

Sure. But all of those points may be offset by the one point that he has the best chance to ring next season at GSW. If he's going to leave OKC to chase a ring, he's going to any the surest thing possible.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Sure. But all of those points may be offset by the one point that he has the best chance to ring next season at GSW. If he's going to leave OKC to chase a ring, he's going to any the surest thing possible.

At the cost of his legacy? I just dont see him going there to be 2nd option at best. It would be so fucking stupid to go there, it would be like going to Cleveland.

[Boogie Munster]

The Jimmer thread went 100+ pages and this is only at 19??? You guys are slacking.

[loveforthegame]

FWIW, The Oklahoman interviewed NBA agents (anonymously of course) and what they think about Durant and his free process this summer.

http://newsok.com/how-kevin-durants-free-agency-will-happen-through-the-eyes-of-nba-agents/article/5506480?custom_click=rss

[SpursforSix]

At the cost of his legacy? I just dont see him going there to be 2nd option at best. It would be so fucking stupid to go there, it would be like going to Cleveland.

If he leaves OKC, he's accepting the fact that his legacy will be questioned. At that point, he wants the easiest route.

Tbh, I don't think he cares about his image the way a lot of the top name stars do. Sometimes I think he isn't smart enough to think through things at that level anyway. If he really cares about his long term legacy, he stays loyal to OKC. If not, he takes the surest path possible. Which for now is the Warriors.

[r0drig0lac]

If he leaves OKC, he's accepting the fact that his legacy will be questioned. At that point, he wants the easiest route.

Tbh, I don't think he cares about his image the way a lot of the top name stars do. Sometimes I think he isn't smart enough to think through things at that level anyway. If he really cares about his long term legacy, he stays loyal to OKC. If not, he takes the surest path possible. Which for now is the Warriors.

good point

[BillMc]

FWIW, The Oklahoman interviewed NBA agents (anonymously of course) and what they think about Durant and his free process this summer.

http://newsok.com/how-kevin-durants-free-agency-will-happen-through-the-eyes-of-nba-agents/article/5506480?custom_click=rss


The same paper did an article on the case for every team pursuing Durant:

http://newsok.com/article/5506479?slideout=1


The darkhorse: San Antonio SpursThe argument: Similar to their basketball prowess, the Spurs' danger in this derby is underrated. They've been quiet through this process. Unlike Golden State's brazen, outspoken decision-makers, there have been no San Antonio leaks about their high level of confidence in getting KD, no bold statements from their owner about their dominance of the league.
The Spurs are humble, hard-working, no-nonsense basketball world-beaters. Which vibes with Kevin Durant's personality and game beautifully. There's a reason San Antonio secured one of the first meetings with him. Durant admires Gregg Popovich and the entire Spurs operation. They'll have his ear.
The concern: The basketball fit doesn't seem as clean as in OKC or Golden State. San Antonio's three best players would be Durant, Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge — three prime talents, but three at least mildly redundant forwards. They'd fit all three into the starting lineup and probably enter as title favorites. But the rest of the pieces are aged or possibly retiring. The guard play would be a concern. It just doesn't seem as clear a path to sustainable winning as the Thunder or Warriors.

[james evans]

Is Oladipo/Sabonis really a better duo than Waiters/Ibaka? I guess Oladipo's a little better than Waiters and has higher upside? Even though Waiters killed us in the Playoffs. And I love Sabonis' game but I'm shocked they gave up Ibaka and his shot blocking. I just don't get the trade. At all, if anything I see Sabonis being a solid starter in the future, but is he even gonna be a plus starter his rookie year?
A little??? Have you seen Oladipo play?

[TheRemix]

If KD joins our silver & black, I will be a lesser Spurs fan.
I can't even believe we are actually meeting him for talks.
"B-b-built not bought" :cry

[TheDoctor]

If KD joins our silver & black, I will be a lesser Spurs fan.
I can't even believe we are actually meeting him for talks.
Sayonara and good riddance :toast

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

Just read an article from CBS Sports stating that the only two teams that could pry KD away from OKC was the Warriors and the Heat.

[dbestpro]

Just read an article from CBS Sports stating that the only two teams that could pry KD away from OKC was the Warriors and the Heat.

Read same article. It was an agent speculating, and they would not even give the name of the agent, which means they have no better clue that you or I.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Just read an article from CBS Sports stating that the only two teams that could pry KD away from OKC was the Warriors and the Heat.

I just read an article saying that Aldridge was leaning towards Phoenix and that LeBron is going to team up with Melo in NY rather go to Miami with Wade and Bosh.

[TheGreatYacht]

Just read an article from CBS Sports stating that the only two teams that could pry KD away from OKC was the Warriors and the Heat.
Pat Riley writing articles now?

Don't know why KD would consider a team who's best player is basically dying. It's Spurs and GSW tbh

[RD2191]

Crofl. Why the fuck would he go to the heat? That would be like the 10th best place he could go. They have zero to offer other than playing with an old ass wade and a could die on the court bosh.

[Emperor]

https://www.yahoo.com/news/local-okc-reporter-cites-sources-225812428.html

Hope this isn't true but who knows during this crazy time of the summer.

[kobyz]

If he go to warriors it's a sure title for him cause they almost a perfect team even without him, if he go to the spurs there is a risk spurs to still blow it with their soft mentality, so going to spurs it's too much pressure for him as he could end up the biggest joke all time if not winning the title after the ring chasing... So no way he come to spurs... End thread!

[coachmac87]

https://soundcloud.com/210-podcast/210-podcast-episode-11

16:00 mark on KD Free Agency

[UZER]

"B-b-built not bought" :cry

We're still built not bought.

It took twenty years of building a legacy with 0 help from big free agents to be able to buy.

Other teams have been buying overnight success for years.

[cjw]

Pat Riley writing articles now?

Don't know why KD would consider a team who's best player is basically dying. It's Spurs and GSW tbh

Wade is still a stud but point taken. Bosh is going to be clogging up cap space Parker style. Dragic is also a 60th percentile PG at the deepest position in the league being paid top dollar. Winslow screams more Shumpert than Kawhi.

Though I'm one of the few who, while he's getting paid too much now, he's earned it by being underpaid for years. Heck, had Spurs won game 6 in 2013, it's more than Kobe's done in the closing minutes of a clinching game.

[TheGreatYacht]

Wade is still a stud but point taken. Bosh is going to be clogging up cap space Parker style. Dragic is also a 60th percentile PG at the deepest position in the league being paid top dollar. Winslow screams more Shumpert than Kawhi.

Though I'm one of the few who, while he's getting paid too much now, he's earned it by being underpaid for years. Heck, had Spurs won game 6 in 2013, it's more than Kobe's done in the closing minutes of a clinching game.
Great post :tu

[dbestpro]

KD will sign the 1 plus 1 contract with OKC. The courting for KD is most likely not about this year, but for next year.

[Nathan89]

He has two options. 1. Go to gsw and guarantee a ring. 2. Stay with okc and fight for a title. One title in okc is worth more than any number of titles with gsw. Spurs have zero chance.

[Jdspur20]

If he go to warriors it's a sure title for him cause they almost a perfect team even without him, if he go to the spurs there is a risk spurs to still blow it with their soft mentality, so going to spurs it's too much pressure for him as he could end up the biggest joke all time if not winning the title after the ring chasing... So no way he come to spurs... End thread!

The only thing that needs to end is the bad grammar in this post.

[z0sa]

The same paper did an article on the case for every team pursuing Durant:

http://newsok.com/article/5506479?slideout=1

Even though they mention it, they don't seem to realize Kawhi at SG nullifies their main "concern." As well as all the small ball lineups Pop would just adore trotting out.

[gambit1990]

if the spurs land him :wow

[gambit1990]

has he had anything to say about the ibaka trade?

i mostly see him sticking around in okc.

he's in a position where he would leave to... join the team he beat or join the team that beat him. i don't see him just bouncing. i'm sure the warriors and the spurs will have strong pitches though. would love to be there tbh.

[Keepin' it real]

If he go to warriors it's a sure title for him cause they almost a perfect team even without him, if he go to the spurs there is a risk spurs to still blow it with their soft mentality, so going to spurs it's too much pressure for him as he could end up the biggest joke all time if not winning the title after the ring chasing... So no way he come to spurs... End thread!


The only thing that needs to end is the bad grammar in this post.

https://memecrunch.com/meme/1ALGR/repite-lo-que-dijiste/image.png?w=400&c=1

[tholdren]

ITS NOT HAPPENING....

[Hoops Czar]

Even though they mention it, they don't seem to realize Kawhi at SG nullifies their main "concern." As well as all the small ball lineups Pop would just adore trotting out.

That's like having your SS play 2b :lol. Taking the team's best athlete playing a premium position and throwing him on a position that minimizes his athleticism and skill set. That would not be smart.

[Chinook]

I posted this on RealGM, but whatever.


The best pitch the Spurs could offer Durant is that they have built-in ring-chasers who already have chemistry with the team. I absolutely expect Tim and Manu to come back for the minimum if KD comes over. I already mentioned this in another thread, but after running the numbers, it looks even better.

If Durant sacrifices $2 Million (or better yet just has that amount in unlikely to be earned incentives), the Spurs could realistically field the following roster:


PG: Parker, Miller (or some other ring-chaser) Murray
SG: Leonard, Manu, Simmons
SF: Durant, Green, Bertans
PF: Aldridge, Anderson, LJC
C: Duncan, Boban, Lorbek


And they can do so while also maintaining a decent amount of cap space for the following year. I know that asking Durant to give up money seems like a bad strategy, but I disagree. I think when you look at how many players would be willing to sacrifice to be part of that roster, it actually helps instill a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.


AND if that's still not enough, then Durant could be encouraged to sign a one-and-one deal. So he could either leave or reup in 2017 (which would result in him getting more money than signing a straight four-year deal with any one in 2016 anyway). The added benefit to the Spurs, of course, is that even if Durant opted out and left in this scenario, they'd be in great shape cap-wise to make another move.

[coachmac87]

I posted this on RealGM, but whatever.

So he's going to be a Spur..

[TheRemix]

We're still built not bought.

It took twenty years of building a legacy with 0 help from big free agents to be able to buy.

Other teams have been buying overnight success for years.

Exactly, nobody should be upset for the spurs trying to get durant. This is an opportunity we can't miss.

[Ice009]

You've got to be a real fuckwit to be against the Spurs going after Durant. Like TheRemix said, it's an opportunity you shouldn't pass up. You'd be a fool to pass it up and not even try at all.

[TimDunkem]

That's Spurstalk for you. We could swap Manu for Curry or LeBron and there would be at least one or two people here saying that it's a bad deal and that they prefer Manu's "intangibles" and chemistry with the team

[Stabula]

Durant isn't what we need most but if you can have him you take him. Too good offensively to overlook.

[kobyz]

He is going to GSW! They can offer him the amazing chance for like a 5peat and that will charm him!!

[Ice009]

He is going to GSW! They can offer him the amazing chance for like a 5peat and that will charm him!!

If he doesn't go to Goldenstate, then you don't post here anymore, OK?

[kobyz]

If he doesn't go to Goldenstate, then you don't post here anymore, OK?

And if he does?

[spursparker9]

Only LMA and Kawhi are untouchable.

Please take all the others

[CaptainLate]

Yeah, that's as much a reality as is Leonard coming off the bench to accommodate Durant. Gulp living in a dream world.. If he goes anywhere at all which is highly unlikely, he'd go to GS before SA 10/10 times. He'd lose too much $$ in tax money. California is a state that is totally finished as any kind of "American" state. Texas has no state income taxes and is primed to have no FEDERAL income taxes.

[Thomas82]

We're still built not bought.

It took twenty years of building a legacy with 0 help from big free agents to be able to buy.

Other teams have been buying overnight success for years.

Facts!!

[BatManu20]

He'd lose too much $$ in tax money. California is a state that is totally finished as any kind of "American" state. Texas has no state income taxes and is primed to have no FEDERAL income taxes.

That's not nearly as important when you're as filthy rich as he is. I live in California and although we have our problems, I wouldn't leave here for anywhere else. You can't beat the climate or scenery. I grew up in Texas and while I have a soft spot for SA and Austin, every time I return to visit, it's an inferno there and I'm quickly reminded why I left. Just miserably hot and humid 6-8 months out of the year. And bipolar weather to boot. SA definitely isn't offering KD anything off the court, either. San Francisco is an infinitely better city to live in if you can afford it.

[BatManu20]

He's either staying in OKC (likely) or heading for the Bay imvho. Not taking the other teams seriously.

747503547348987905

[Ice009]

And if he does?

Then you get to stay here and post your emo posts.

[BatManu20]

747632928889278464

[cutewizard]

hope springs eternal

[Uriel]

747632928889278464
Good read. Basically, it says that OKC and Golden State are the only serious threats to land Durant, and that the Spurs lost their chance the moment they lost to OKC in the playoffs.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jjQbL3EYj8

[kobyz]

Then you get to stay here and post your emo posts.

When you want to be reasonable come back to me...

[Mnky]

Good read. Basically, it says that OKC and Golden State are the only serious threats to land Durant, and that the Spurs lost their chance the moment they lost to OKC in the playoffs.

I don't agree with that notion. Spurs seem the least likely unless they cope well personal wise, but I doubt it has anything to do with playoffs. Take Durant out of the picture.. and then you have a realistic view of how well the warriors or spurs are compared to the thunder, which I believe is the weakest of the three. That's what he will look at, as far as being tempted away. That's why I believe the warriors are ahead, they're younger and better than the spurs because the spurs never groomed true replacements, but let them go to pay loyalty contracts.

However, this doesn't mean he goes to them. Just saying I think way to many people give the general ideas without grasping a true idea of the situation.

[coachmac87]

Warriors Pros
• Best Players (Curry, Klay, Green)
• Top 5 Coach
• Easiest route to multiple titles
• Beautufil City

Warriors Cons
•$$
• Media hype
•Personal Brand
• Basketball Stats

Spurs Pros
•Best Organization in NBA
•2nd best Roster (LA, Kawhi, Duncan, Manu, Parker)
• Expansion of Personal Brand
•Zero Distractions

Spurs Cons
•Older Roster
•Stats
•$$
•Media Hate

OKC Pros
•$$
•Chemistry
•Fanbase
•Media Praise

OKC Cons
•Westbrook FA
•Better Chance to Win if he left
•Worst Coach
•Chemistry with New Pieces

[keeferob25]

Warriors Pros
• Best Players (Curry, Klay, Green)
• Top 5 Coach
• Easiest route to multiple titles
• Beautufil City

Warriors Cons
•$$
• Media hype
•Personal Brand
• Basketball Stats

Spurs Pros
•Best Organization in NBA
•2nd best Roster (LA, Kawhi, Duncan, Manu, Parker)
• Expansion of Personal Brand
•Zero Distractions

Spurs Cons
•Older Roster
•Stats
•$$
•Media Hate

OKC Pros
•$$
•Chemistry
•Fanbase
•Media Praise

OKC Cons
•Westbrook FA
•Better Chance to Win if he left
•Worst Coach
•Chemistry with New Pieces

Im not so sure about that one. Of the three teams mentioned, Pop is the one who might be the worst. He's an absolutely brilliant architect at this point, and still a pretty good motivator. But his in-game and even game-to-game adjustments are just not elite anymore and haven't been for some time. Donovan CLEARLY out-coached him and realistically, the last coach Pop has outcoached definitively was Scott Brooks THREE SEASONS AGO!

[coachmac87]

Im not so sure about that one. Of the three teams mentioned, Pop is the one who might be the worst. He's an absolutely brilliant architect at this point, and still a pretty good motivator. But his in-game and even game-to-game adjustments are just not elite anymore and haven't been for some time. Donovan CLEARLY out-coached him and realistically, the last coach Pop has outcoached definitively was Scott Brooks THREE SEASONS AGO!

I'm not referring to what fans on Spurstalk think. Players and NBA FO think Pop is the best in the game and you won't find another coach who has the respect Pop does

[TheDoctor]

I'm not referring to what fans on Spurstalk think. Players and NBA FO think Pop is the best in the game and you won't find another coach who has the respect Pop does

Durant loves and respects Pop. Probably the only reason we're a getting a meeting.

[coachmac87]

Durant loves and respects Pop. Probably the only reason we're a getting a meeting.

Totally agree. I think most Spurs fans on this site and all over who doubt their chances are really selling themselves short tbh. Spurs just have a different respect and admiration these days unlike any franchise in Sports. This is a different respect that we've had in the past years when they whiffed on FAs. Perspective really changed of them in their 13-14' runs. I dunno why it was but the Spurs are literally put on a pedestal by NBA people. That's a big deal. Like it makes the person really think on reasons why they'd turn down a franchise like the Spurs....

[HarlemHeat37]

^^How does Durant's personal brand suffer with the Warriors and improve with the Spurs, tbh?

[r0drig0lac]

^^How does Durant's personal brand suffer with the Warriors and improve with the Spurs, tbh?

yes, it makes no sense

[look_at_g_shred]

Good read. Basically, it says that OKC and Golden State are the only serious threats to land Durant, and that the Spurs lost their chance the moment they lost to OKC in the playoffs.
Didn't buy this part of the article.

[BatManu20]

Really hoping Durant stays in OKC at this point. If he goes to GS, the league is fucked.

[coachmac87]

^^How does Durant's personal brand suffer with the Warriors and improve with the Spurs, tbh?

Because he's joining the 2x MVP. Durant would be the face of the Spurs...

Pretty simple tbh

Would you like me to get more specific or you get it?

[coachmac87]

yes, it makes no sense

Because he's joining the 2x MVP. Durant would be the face of the Spurs...

Pretty simple tbh

Would you like me to get more specific or you get it?

[Snaq O'Meal]

^^How does Durant's personal brand suffer with the Warriors and improve with the Spurs, tbh?

I guess he'll automatically be the first offensive option for the Spurs. In the Warriors, he'll be behind Curry and possibly Thompson.

[soxxx]

Really hoping Durant stays in OKC at this point. If he goes to GS, the league is fucked.
No its not, how much better can GS really get? if anything him going to GS eliminates OKC as a threat, which would be great for the Spurs.

[InRareForm]

12 to 1 odds durant lands up in SA

[Hoops Czar]

I guess he'll automatically be the first offensive option for the Spurs. In the Warriors, he'll be behind Curry and possibly Thompson.

How does that affect Leonard's brand though? I though he was suppose to be the first option. How can you be the 2-3 best player in the game (:lol) and not even be the first option on your team.

[HarlemHeat37]

Because he's joining the 2x MVP. Durant would be the face of the Spurs...

Pretty simple tbh

Would you like me to get more specific or you get it?

It was a legit question, I don't know why you're getting defensive:lol

[HarlemHeat37]

I guess he'll automatically be the first offensive option for the Spurs. In the Warriors, he'll be behind Curry and possibly Thompson.

I suppose..Warriors are much more popular than the Spurs, though, which negates that IMO(not to mention Durant is better than Curry, and just as popular)..

The Spurs culture isn't really built for players worrying about their personal brands, though..

[RD2191]

Fuck KD.

[Budkin]

Makes no sense that we lost our chance at him by losing to him. IMO that would make us more likely to sign him. I would think choking 3-1 to the Warriors would be the death knell for their chances.

[coachmac87]

I suppose..Warriors are much more popular than the Spurs, though, which negates that IMO(not to mention Durant is better than Curry, and just as popular)..

The Spurs culture isn't really built for players worrying about their personal brands, though..

Durant is so popular that people argue about him not being the best player on OKC. Curry took over the league until LeBron punked him in the Finals. KD is signed under Nike you think they want him to join the team of a guy who is competition (Curry/UA)? If he joins the Spurs it will be HIS team and his brand with Nike would flourish.

[Leetonidas]

Durant seems like the kind of beta who cares greatly about his perception. he knows he will look like a massive chump joining the 73-9 warriors imo. I'm guessing he will stay in OKC but if he leaves for one of the few winning teams in the league he has to know that joining SA would tarnish his legacy the least

[RD2191]

KD is a beta faggot. I'll ride or die with lma, kawhi and the porkster next season. Idgaf.

[TheDoctor]

I suppose..Warriors are much more popular than the Spurs, though, which negates that IMO(not to mention Durant is better than Curry, and just as popular)..

The Spurs culture isn't really built for players worrying about their personal brands, though..

From a branding perspective going from OKC to SA it's a lateral move at worst.

[look_at_g_shred]

KD is a beta faggot. I'll ride or die with lma, kawhi and the porkster next season. Idgaf.
sucks that we missed out on MVP Ulis tbh..

[BatManu20]

747858919150718976

[RD2191]

sucks that we missed out on MVP Ulis tbh..

Fuck, don't remind me.

[r0drig0lac]

Because he's joining the 2x MVP. Durant would be the face of the Spurs...

Pretty simple tbh

Would you like me to get more specific or you get it?

if he really go to the Golden State or San Antonio, is signal that do not care about the negative media, then the obvious choice would be the best situation in terms of basketball (golden state logically), anyway this is just an opnion .

ps: the fact of being in contact with so many euros (Nikola, Lorbek, etc.) it makes me think there is something next season, perhaps Durant, who knows

[8FOR!3]

I don't get the notion that us losing to them ruined our chances. If anything I think that series made it pretty clear that OKC is better than us if we don't have Durant, but the Spurs with Durant could easily beat OKC with Durant.

[coachmac87]

I don't get the notion that us losing to them ruined our chances. If anything I think that series made it pretty clear that OKC is better than us if we don't have Durant, but the Spurs with Durant could easily beat OKC with Durant.

It didn't. Buck Harvey needs to stop writing articles...he's about to eat shit just like the last one he wrote

[Keepin' it real]

When Pop meets with KD, I expect him to be like Coach Norman Dale in Hoosiers when he talked to Jimmy, "I don't care whether you play on the team or not."

https://austinsacre.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/the-jimmy-speech2.png

[SpursforSix]

When Pop meets with KD, I expect him to be like Coach Norman Dale in Hoosiers when he talked to Jimmy, "I don't care whether you play on the team or not."



:pop: I don't care. As long as we're done by middle of May.

[Ron Swanson]

:pop: I don't care. As long as we're done by middle of May.

:pop: Napa Valley is really nice that time of year.

[tbdog]

I don't get the notion that us losing to them ruined our chances. If anything I think that series made it pretty clear that OKC is better than us if we don't have Durant, but the Spurs with Durant could easily beat OKC with Durant.

Exactly. Spurs losing means we decrease our chances. Warriors losing in the finals increases their chances. That logic /s

[BillMc]

I can only read a snipped of Kevin Pelton's ESPN Insider article but here is what it says about the Spurs:


Kevin Pelton writes that a San Antonio roster with Kevin Durant replacing Danny Green should set a franchise record for wins next season before regressing following the retirements of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobilli

Full article is here (for anyone with Insider, unlike me): http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/16577741/where-kevin-durant-sign-2016-nba-free-agency

[spurtech09]

Well I don't think KD will sign with the Spurs buy hey it doesn't hurt to try......

[raybies]

748177958464937984

[.G.]

Niggz is saving the best for last.

[cutewizard]

best decision is still the Spurs, ALL THINGS CONSIDERED!

[cutewizard]

TO KEVIN DURANT, here let a wizard help you man................

this is the year 2016, now think of one hundred years from this date.......

one hundred years from now, there will be dozens of NBA champions

but basketball experts and researchers will still rave about the accomplishments of the San Antonio Spurs!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDSoep_3pF0

[soxxx]

Im still optimistic about this whole thing, it kinda feels the same with Aldridge last year

[YGWHI]

I can only read a snipped of Kevin Pelton's ESPN Insider article but here is what it says about the Spurs:

Full article is here (for anyone with Insider, unlike me): http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/16577741/where-kevin-durant-sign-2016-nba-free-agency
Full Kevin Pelton's article.


Who will give Kevin Durant (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3202/kevin-durant) the best chance to win a title? What about multiple titles? We have six teams for KD to consider.

Last week, the Oklahoma City Thunder (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder) star told reporters that he plans to make "a basketball decision" about his future (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/16371994/kevin-durant-free-agency-basketball-decision) when he becomes an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career on July 1.

Durant clarified that, to him, a basketball decision means, "Just who I'm going to be playing with and the people I'm going to be around every single day, that's what it's all about for me."
When it comes to the people he might play with, we can't be of much help. But when it comes to teams and players, we can provide input here.
My multiyear player projections (http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/16538435/nba-free-agent-rankings-kevin-pelton-lebron-james-kevin-durant-more) can help shed light on which of the six teams Durant plans to meet with -- the Thunder, Boston Celtics (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/bos/boston-celtics), Golden State Warriors (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors), L.A. Clippers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lac/los-angeles-clippers), Miami Heat (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mia/miami-heat) and San Antonio Spurs (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs) -- gives him the best chance of winning in the near future.


Heat: Only here because of Pat Riley and South Beach

Unlike 2010, when the Heat could afford to sign the best free agent on the market ( LeBron James (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/1966/lebron-james)) plus another All-Star ( Chris Bosh (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/1977/chris-bosh)) and bring back a third star ( Dwyane Wade (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/1987/dwyane-wade)), Miami's cap position is not as strong this time around.
Barring Wade taking another huge pay cut, signing Durant would almost certainly mean letting go of unrestricted free agents Luol Deng (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2429/luol-deng) and Hassan Whiteside (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/4262/hassan-whiteside), two of the Heat's top players. Free agent Joe Johnson (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/1007/joe-johnson) also isn't included in this projection. That's three of the five players who logged the most minutes in the Heat's playoff series win over the Charlotte Hornets (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/cha/charlotte-hornets).
Without Whiteside, the 27-year-old Durant would be hitching his fortunes to a team led by players in their 30s: Wade (34), Bosh (32) and Goran Dragic (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3423/goran-dragic) (30). As a result, even with Durant and assuming a return by Bosh, Miami is projected as about a 50-win team next season, declining from there.
If Durant really wants to play in South Beach, his better bet might be waiting until next summer. If Bosh is forced into medical retirement (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/15557916/chris-bosh-miami-heat-difficult-choices-ahead), the Heat could probably find enough room to sign Durant next year while also retaining Whiteside this summer.

Clippers: Bad long-term play

Of the six teams that have reportedly set up meetings with Durant, only the Clippers don't have a path to sign him outright using cap space. The Clippers would need to work a sign-and-trade to bring Durant to Los Angeles, and my projections have them sending Oklahoma (http://abcnews.go.com/topics/news/oklahoma.htm) native Blake Griffin (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3989/blake-griffin) to the Thunder in return.
Because the Clippers would be giving up one of their stars, their 2016-17 projection doesn't call for huge improvement: about 62 wins, which would be a franchise record but would have been good for only third in the West in 2015-16.
Alas, 62 wins looks like the high-water mark. Acquiring Durant and re-signing Chris Paul (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2779/chris-paul) when he can opt out of his contract next summer would exhaust the Clippers' cap space and lock them into an aging core with few avenues for improvement. The star power on the roster and the allure of L.A. would surely help the Clippers sign ring-chasing free agents, but those players would also likely be in their 30s, making it difficult to build sustainable success.
As a result, my projections suggest the Clippers dipping to 56 wins in 2017-18 and dropping to 52 wins the following season -- one fewer than they actually won in 2015-16.

Spurs: Short window for big success

Now we're talking. Under the assumption the Spurs would clear the necessary cap space to sign Durant by trading guard Danny Green (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3988/danny-green) and forward Boris Diaw (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2167/boris-diaw), with veterans Tim Duncan (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/215/tim-duncan) and Manu Ginobili (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/272/manu-ginobili) returning and taking smaller salaries to facilitate the move, I estimate San Antonio winning 70 games next season -- three more than this year's franchise-record total.
Durant would essentially replace Green in the Spurs' starting lineup, an enormous upgrade after Green slumped to 33.2 percent 3-point shooting in 2015-16. With Durant, San Antonio would surely be favored to win the title.
The window might close quickly, however. The likely departure of Diaw and backup center Boban Marjanovic (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/4376/boban-marjanovic) would only put more importance on the 40-year-old Duncan, and Ginobili (who turns 39 in July) remains a key reserve. In the event both retire after next season, as I project, the Spurs would have little flexibility to replace them.
As a result of their departures and the decline of other veterans on the roster, I project San Antonio dropping to 53 wins in 2017-18 and 52 the following season -- similar to the Clippers' projection.

Celtics: Sustainable success

While the Celtics are considered long shots to land Durant, they might have the most interesting pitch from one standpoint: Boston could sign Durant without sacrificing anything from a roster that won 48 games last season.
Even without factoring in free agents Jared Sullinger (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6624/jared-sullinger) ( and his lofty projection (http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/16538435/nba-free-agent-rankings-kevin-pelton-lebron-james-kevin-durant-more)), Evan Turner (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/4239/evan-turner) and Tyler Zeller (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6631/tyler-zeller), the Celtics are pegged for approximately 62 wins next season with Durant. And unlike the aging rosters of other Durant suitors, Boston figures to move up from there.
After all, the Celtics could still add a high lottery pick thanks to the ability to swap with the Brooklyn Nets (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/bkn/brooklyn-nets) next year (with another unprotected Nets pick on the way in 2018). And the Celtics could pay Durant his new, higher maximum in the summer of 2017, re-sign Kelly Olynyk (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2489663/kelly-olynyk) and still have some $20 million in cap room based on current projections.
By 2018-19, the projections have Boston (with Durant) topping out at 67 wins.


Thunder: Gambling on Westbrook's return

As I noted in comparing the Thunder to the Washington Wizards (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/wsh/washington-wizards) last November (http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/14095843/washington-wizards-give-kevin-durant-better-chance-win-oklahoma-city-thunder-nba), when the Wizards' hopes of bringing Durant back home seemed much more realistic, any projection for Oklahoma City has to take into account the wild card that is Russell Westbrook (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3468/russell-westbrook)'s unrestricted free agency next summer.
If Westbrook re-signs, the Thunder should remain a top contender in the West for the foreseeable future with Durant. Dealing 26-year-old Serge Ibaka (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3439/serge-ibaka) (who also can become an unrestricted free agent after next season) for a package headlined by 24-year-old Victor Oladipo (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2527963/victor-oladipo) last week only enhanced Oklahoma City's long-term outlook (http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/16462295/trade-grades-oklahoma-city-thunder-orlando-magic-trade-serge-ibaka-victor-oladipo-nba). With both stars, the Thunder are forecast for 60-plus wins each of the next three seasons.
Without Westbrook, however, it will be tougher for the Thunder to compete. If Westbrook leaves outright via free agency, Oklahoma City's projection (with Durant) drops to around 49 wins in 2017-18 and 2018-19. The Thunder could potentially recoup value by trading Westbrook instead, but it would be hard to replace a top-10 player in the league.
Westbrook's free agency is an additional reason, along with the chance to make more money next summer, why a two-year contract with a player option on the second season would make sense if Durant re-signs in Oklahoma City.

Warriors: The most compelling 'what-if?'

All the other lofty projections pale in comparison to what the Warriors might be able to do with Durant. I've assumed that to clear the necessary space, they'd allow Harrison Barnes (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6578/harrison-barnes) and Festus Ezeli (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6587/festus-ezeli) to leave as free agents and trade Andrew Bogut (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2747/andrew-bogut). Such a scenario would leave Golden State woefully thin at center, but keeping Ezeli and trading Shaun Livingston (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2393/shaun-livingston) instead doesn't change the analysis much.
With 2013-14 MVP Durant joining Stephen Curry (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3975/stephen-curry) (who has won the last two MVP awards) along with All-Stars Draymond Green (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6589/draymond-green) and Klay Thompson (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6475/klay-thompson), I project the 2016-17 Warriors for 76 wins -- three more than Golden State won during a record-setting 2015-16 regular season.
In reality, the Warriors would almost certainly fall short of that standard. This kind of projection can't take into account the diminishing returns when superstars team up, because there's only one ball to go around (and from a statistical standpoint, only a fixed number of possessions to use). But consider that the upside for a Warriors team with Durant.
Depending on the free agents the team could sign for the minimum, Golden State could be perilously thin. Still, the possibility of staggering minutes to have either Curry or Durant on the floor at all times would be terrifying for opponents. And the cap math works out remarkably well for the Warriors, who could max out Durant, re-sign Curry and still have about $12 million left over next summer to re-sign Andre Iguodala (http://abcnews.go.com/topics/sports/basketball/andre-iguodala.htm) and Livingston or find replacements.
There are plenty of reasons Durant to Golden State might not happen, including how rare it would be for a superstar signing with the team that just beat his in the conference finals. Still, from a basketball standpoint, there's no doubt the Warriors give Durant the best chance of success, both short-term and long-term.

[BillMc]

Full Kevin Pelton's article.


Who will give Kevin Durant (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3202/kevin-durant) the best chance to win a title? What about multiple titles? We have six teams for KD to consider.

Last week, the Oklahoma City Thunder (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder) star told reporters that he plans to make "a basketball decision" about his future (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/16371994/kevin-durant-free-agency-basketball-decision) when he becomes an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career on July 1.

Durant clarified that, to him, a basketball decision means, "Just who I'm going to be playing with and the people I'm going to be around every single day, that's what it's all about for me."
When it comes to the people he might play with, we can't be of much help. But when it comes to teams and players, we can provide input here.
My multiyear player projections (http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/16538435/nba-free-agent-rankings-kevin-pelton-lebron-james-kevin-durant-more) can help shed light on which of the six teams Durant plans to meet with -- the Thunder, Boston Celtics (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/bos/boston-celtics), Golden State Warriors (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors), L.A. Clippers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lac/los-angeles-clippers), Miami Heat (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/mia/miami-heat) and San Antonio Spurs (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs) -- gives him the best chance of winning in the near future.


Heat: Only here because of Pat Riley and South Beach

Unlike 2010, when the Heat could afford to sign the best free agent on the market ( LeBron James (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/1966/lebron-james)) plus another All-Star ( Chris Bosh (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/1977/chris-bosh)) and bring back a third star ( Dwyane Wade (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/1987/dwyane-wade)), Miami's cap position is not as strong this time around.
Barring Wade taking another huge pay cut, signing Durant would almost certainly mean letting go of unrestricted free agents Luol Deng (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2429/luol-deng) and Hassan Whiteside (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/4262/hassan-whiteside), two of the Heat's top players. Free agent Joe Johnson (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/1007/joe-johnson) also isn't included in this projection. That's three of the five players who logged the most minutes in the Heat's playoff series win over the Charlotte Hornets (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/cha/charlotte-hornets).
Without Whiteside, the 27-year-old Durant would be hitching his fortunes to a team led by players in their 30s: Wade (34), Bosh (32) and Goran Dragic (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3423/goran-dragic) (30). As a result, even with Durant and assuming a return by Bosh, Miami is projected as about a 50-win team next season, declining from there.
If Durant really wants to play in South Beach, his better bet might be waiting until next summer. If Bosh is forced into medical retirement (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/15557916/chris-bosh-miami-heat-difficult-choices-ahead), the Heat could probably find enough room to sign Durant next year while also retaining Whiteside this summer.

Clippers: Bad long-term play

Of the six teams that have reportedly set up meetings with Durant, only the Clippers don't have a path to sign him outright using cap space. The Clippers would need to work a sign-and-trade to bring Durant to Los Angeles, and my projections have them sending Oklahoma (http://abcnews.go.com/topics/news/oklahoma.htm) native Blake Griffin (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3989/blake-griffin) to the Thunder in return.
Because the Clippers would be giving up one of their stars, their 2016-17 projection doesn't call for huge improvement: about 62 wins, which would be a franchise record but would have been good for only third in the West in 2015-16.
Alas, 62 wins looks like the high-water mark. Acquiring Durant and re-signing Chris Paul (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2779/chris-paul) when he can opt out of his contract next summer would exhaust the Clippers' cap space and lock them into an aging core with few avenues for improvement. The star power on the roster and the allure of L.A. would surely help the Clippers sign ring-chasing free agents, but those players would also likely be in their 30s, making it difficult to build sustainable success.
As a result, my projections suggest the Clippers dipping to 56 wins in 2017-18 and dropping to 52 wins the following season -- one fewer than they actually won in 2015-16.

Spurs: Short window for big success

Now we're talking. Under the assumption the Spurs would clear the necessary cap space to sign Durant by trading guard Danny Green (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3988/danny-green) and forward Boris Diaw (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2167/boris-diaw), with veterans Tim Duncan (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/215/tim-duncan) and Manu Ginobili (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/272/manu-ginobili) returning and taking smaller salaries to facilitate the move, I estimate San Antonio winning 70 games next season -- three more than this year's franchise-record total.
Durant would essentially replace Green in the Spurs' starting lineup, an enormous upgrade after Green slumped to 33.2 percent 3-point shooting in 2015-16. With Durant, San Antonio would surely be favored to win the title.
The window might close quickly, however. The likely departure of Diaw and backup center Boban Marjanovic (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/4376/boban-marjanovic) would only put more importance on the 40-year-old Duncan, and Ginobili (who turns 39 in July) remains a key reserve. In the event both retire after next season, as I project, the Spurs would have little flexibility to replace them.
As a result of their departures and the decline of other veterans on the roster, I project San Antonio dropping to 53 wins in 2017-18 and 52 the following season -- similar to the Clippers' projection.

Celtics: Sustainable success

While the Celtics are considered long shots to land Durant, they might have the most interesting pitch from one standpoint: Boston could sign Durant without sacrificing anything from a roster that won 48 games last season.
Even without factoring in free agents Jared Sullinger (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6624/jared-sullinger) ( and his lofty projection (http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/16538435/nba-free-agent-rankings-kevin-pelton-lebron-james-kevin-durant-more)), Evan Turner (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/4239/evan-turner) and Tyler Zeller (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6631/tyler-zeller), the Celtics are pegged for approximately 62 wins next season with Durant. And unlike the aging rosters of other Durant suitors, Boston figures to move up from there.
After all, the Celtics could still add a high lottery pick thanks to the ability to swap with the Brooklyn Nets (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/bkn/brooklyn-nets) next year (with another unprotected Nets pick on the way in 2018). And the Celtics could pay Durant his new, higher maximum in the summer of 2017, re-sign Kelly Olynyk (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2489663/kelly-olynyk) and still have some $20 million in cap room based on current projections.
By 2018-19, the projections have Boston (with Durant) topping out at 67 wins.


Thunder: Gambling on Westbrook's return

As I noted in comparing the Thunder to the Washington Wizards (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/wsh/washington-wizards) last November (http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/14095843/washington-wizards-give-kevin-durant-better-chance-win-oklahoma-city-thunder-nba), when the Wizards' hopes of bringing Durant back home seemed much more realistic, any projection for Oklahoma City has to take into account the wild card that is Russell Westbrook (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3468/russell-westbrook)'s unrestricted free agency next summer.
If Westbrook re-signs, the Thunder should remain a top contender in the West for the foreseeable future with Durant. Dealing 26-year-old Serge Ibaka (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3439/serge-ibaka) (who also can become an unrestricted free agent after next season) for a package headlined by 24-year-old Victor Oladipo (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2527963/victor-oladipo) last week only enhanced Oklahoma City's long-term outlook (http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/16462295/trade-grades-oklahoma-city-thunder-orlando-magic-trade-serge-ibaka-victor-oladipo-nba). With both stars, the Thunder are forecast for 60-plus wins each of the next three seasons.
Without Westbrook, however, it will be tougher for the Thunder to compete. If Westbrook leaves outright via free agency, Oklahoma City's projection (with Durant) drops to around 49 wins in 2017-18 and 2018-19. The Thunder could potentially recoup value by trading Westbrook instead, but it would be hard to replace a top-10 player in the league.
Westbrook's free agency is an additional reason, along with the chance to make more money next summer, why a two-year contract with a player option on the second season would make sense if Durant re-signs in Oklahoma City.

Warriors: The most compelling 'what-if?'

All the other lofty projections pale in comparison to what the Warriors might be able to do with Durant. I've assumed that to clear the necessary space, they'd allow Harrison Barnes (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6578/harrison-barnes) and Festus Ezeli (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6587/festus-ezeli) to leave as free agents and trade Andrew Bogut (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2747/andrew-bogut). Such a scenario would leave Golden State woefully thin at center, but keeping Ezeli and trading Shaun Livingston (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2393/shaun-livingston) instead doesn't change the analysis much.
With 2013-14 MVP Durant joining Stephen Curry (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3975/stephen-curry) (who has won the last two MVP awards) along with All-Stars Draymond Green (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6589/draymond-green) and Klay Thompson (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6475/klay-thompson), I project the 2016-17 Warriors for 76 wins -- three more than Golden State won during a record-setting 2015-16 regular season.
In reality, the Warriors would almost certainly fall short of that standard. This kind of projection can't take into account the diminishing returns when superstars team up, because there's only one ball to go around (and from a statistical standpoint, only a fixed number of possessions to use). But consider that the upside for a Warriors team with Durant.
Depending on the free agents the team could sign for the minimum, Golden State could be perilously thin. Still, the possibility of staggering minutes to have either Curry or Durant on the floor at all times would be terrifying for opponents. And the cap math works out remarkably well for the Warriors, who could max out Durant, re-sign Curry and still have about $12 million left over next summer to re-sign Andre Iguodala (http://abcnews.go.com/topics/sports/basketball/andre-iguodala.htm) and Livingston or find replacements.
There are plenty of reasons Durant to Golden State might not happen, including how rare it would be for a superstar signing with the team that just beat his in the conference finals. Still, from a basketball standpoint, there's no doubt the Warriors give Durant the best chance of success, both short-term and long-term.



Many thanks for posting this!:bobo

[kobyz]

If he go to warriors it's a sure title for him cause they almost a perfect team even without him, if he go to the spurs there is a risk spurs to still blow it with their soft mentality, so going to spurs it's too much pressure for him as he could end up the biggest joke all time if not winning the title after the ring chasing... So no way he come to spurs... End thread!


He is going to GSW! They can offer him the amazing chance for like a 5peat and that will charm him!!

Once again for like the million times I'm the only bright person here around all of you fuckers and morons... lol you all not saw it coming! You should have learn by now to start listen to me!!!

[Budkin]

Fuck.

[HarlemHeat37]

Spurs fans have become delusional because the team signed a 3rd or 4th tier name like Lamarcus Aldridge:lol..Aldridge is a top 15-20 player, but he's completely irrelevant to non-hardcore NBA fans, his legacy is irrelevant, and his move doesn't affect endorsements or marketing power..

Durant, while a choker and today's version of Karl Malone, is a generational talent and a top 3 "name" in the NBA..it would be shocking if he decides to join a declining franchise that his team just easily defeated without HCA IMO..not to mention 1 of the building blocks is going to be 31 soon..

[midnightpulp]

We all knew it was a long shot.

I can say I didn't predict him doing the biggest beta move in sports history. I thought he was would either stay or maybe go to Boston.

[HarlemHeat37]

I don't know why people thought he would want his "own team", though:lol

He spent years in OKC with Westbrook receiving all the heat of a #1 option..now he'll be in a situation where Curry will receive just as much blame if they lose, not to mention they just had one of the biggest choke jobs in NBA history..

Dominos is all about the media protection..

[RD2191]

I don't know why people thought he would want his "own team", though:lol

He spent years in OKC with Westbrook receiving all the heat of a #1 option..now he'll be in a situation where Curry will receive just as much blame if they lose, not to mention they just had one of the biggest choke jobs in NBA history..

Dominos is all about the media protection..
Tbh

[Blizzardwizard]

Poor man's 2014 Pau Gasol thread, tbh. No TSpence intel loses it marks.