Welcome to San Antonio, KD!!!

[midnightpulp]

He ain't staying. Blowing a 3-1 lead with that kind of (3-23 from 3) chokejob at home is franchise killing shit.

"Why would we want that choker!!!"

Kawhi and Timmy will teach him how to win. :toast

[spursistan]

Rooting for a demoralizing Warriors blowout in game 7 :lol

[NASpurs]

That game sealed his fate. That nigga is out of Methlahoma.

[RD2191]

Tbfh

[tholdren]

He ain't staying. Blowing a 3-1 lead with that kind of (3-23 from 3) chokejob at home is franchise killing shit.

"Why would we want that choker!!!"

Kawhi and Timmy will teach him how to win. :toast

You high? KL hasn't led Spurs to anything.

[turb0time]

Man I had a feeling about this. Choking a 3-1 lead away... wow. He's def leaving.

[Robz4000]

He isn't coming here.

[Ron Swanson]

He's gone and he won't be here.

[midnightpulp]

You high? KL hasn't led Spurs to anything.

Kawhi still outplayed Lebron in a series. Something KD has never, ever done. Bron owns KD in both the regular and post seasons.

[tholdren]

Man I had a feeling about this. Choking a 3-1 lead away... wow. He's def leaving.
lol - why would he leave - HE CHOKED. Not lack of teammates.

[Hoops Czar]

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.

[sasaint]

Rooting for a demoralizing Warriors blowout in game 7 :lol

I bet you get what you are rooting for. SMH!

[Hoops Czar]

You high? KL hasn't led Spurs to anything.

Maybe he meant Durant will teach Kawhi how to be a leader.

[tholdren]

Maybe he meant Durant will teach Kawhi how to be a leader.
Just as ridiculous.

[random21]

Welcome to SA, KD....

[hater]

Love KD but he's a bit of a wuss and we got plenty of wuss with Lamar us and Kqwhi
so no thanks

[midnightpulp]

He isn't coming here.

Logically, it makes sense for him. He'll be 28 next season, and feeling the pressure (legacy wise) of never having won a ring. The Wizards have a decent core, but even with KD, they're still worse on paper than the Cavs. Same with Boston, another potential suitor.

Spurs are ready and he's the perfect fit. And the fact he "beat" us allows him to save face in not joining the team that beat him, as if he's joining the Spurs to get a Western conference team over the Golden State roadblock. He'll be positioned as the "savior" here rather than as a beta joining other stars.

Yes, I do think it's a long shot because of the fact nothing this good can happen to the Spurs in FA, but the move does make sense for him from a basketball perspective.

[Capt Bringdown]

Imagine the corny HEB commercials...

[tholdren]

Logically, it makes sense for him. He'll be 28 next season, and feeling the pressure (legacy wise) of never having won a ring. The Wizards have a decent core, but even with KD, they're still worse on paper than the Cavs. Same with Boston, another potential suitor.

Spurs are ready and he's the perfect fit. And the fact he "beat" us allows him to save face in not joining the team that beat him, as if he's joining the Spurs to get a Western conference team over the Golden State roadblock. He'll be positioned as the "savior" here rather than as a beta joining other stars.

Yes, I do think it's a long shot because of the fact nothing this good can happen to the Spurs in FA, but the move does make sense for him from a basketball perspective.
no it doesn't

[apalisoc_9]

The didnt choke because of his team. They choke because of him. Russell has been outplaying him the whole playoffs and the role players have steped up.

[TheGreatYacht]

Trade Kyle Anderson for 3 baby cribs

Cuz KD, Kawhi, and LMA are gonna need em when shit gets tough in the playoffs

[Hoops Czar]

The didnt choke because of his team. They choke because of him. Russell has been outplaying him the whole playoffs and the role players have steped up.

In that case, the Spurs don't need another choke artist.

[RD2191]

In that case, the Spurs don't need another choke artist.

Agreed. We've had enough with Tony Parker.

[apalisoc_9]

In that case, the Spurs don't need another choke artist.

I hate dominos and hes choked a million times already, but you're a retard so you probably would rather not have him.

[Silver&Black]

Bron owns KD in both the regular and post seasons.

They've played one time mid. Wouldn't say he "owns" him in the post season.

And what I remember from that series is Harden disappearing.

[Mnky]

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.

Leonard would play the other interchangeable wing. Why would he be on the bench?

[Silver&Black]

http://thesportspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/SpursKD.jpg

tbh...

[TheGreatYacht]

In that case, the Spurs don't need another choke artist.
Can't wait to watch him and Kiwi settle for mid range bricks

[Hoops Czar]

I hate dominos and hes choked a million times already, but you're a retard so you probably would rather not have him.

You hate who Harlem tells you to hate. You can't think for yourself.

[YGWHI]

Logically, it makes sense for him. He'll be 28 next season, and feeling the pressure (legacy wise) of never having won a ring. The Wizards have a decent core, but even with KD, they're still worse on paper than the Cavs. Same with Boston, another potential suitor.

Spurs are ready and he's the perfect fit. And the fact he "beat" us allows him to save face in not joining the team that beat him, as if he's joining the Spurs to get a Western conference team over the Golden State roadblock. He'll be positioned as the "savior" here rather than as a beta joining other stars.

Yes, I do think it's a long shot because of the fact nothing this good can happen to the Spurs in FA, but the move does make sense for him from a basketball perspective.

Keep the faith. :flag:


Also...THANK GOD FOR WESTBROOK CHOKE GENE!!!!!!

[TheDoctor]

VERY unlikely, but if the Worriers were gonna lose the Series, nothing better than in front of their fans.

[Hoops Czar]

Can't wait to watch him and Kiwi settle for mid range bricks

Three beta's in the starting lineup is going to be tough to watch.

[YGWHI]

In that case, the Spurs don't need another choke artist.

Durant is the best FA on the market, if there is any chance to sign him, the Spurs have to.

It would be amazing if they can sign the best FA for 2nd consecutive offseason.

[cascaders]

he should go to portland and pair up with lillard tbh..but yea, spurs getting him would be mega awesome

[soxxx]

My money is on KD leaving, KD wont take a one year deal, it would be a high-risk/low-reward choice. KD wants to lock up his five year deal and it wont be with OKC because he has no idea if Westbrook intends to leave, and if Westbrook does leave next year, he would be left empty-handed.

Not going to happen, Durant either goes to San Antonio, Golden State, Boston or perhaps Washington. I think the Spurs have a solid chance at landing him.

[Robz4000]

Logically, it makes sense for him. He'll be 28 next season, and feeling the pressure (legacy wise) of never having won a ring. The Wizards have a decent core, but even with KD, they're still worse on paper than the Cavs. Same with Boston, another potential suitor.

Spurs are ready and he's the perfect fit. And the fact he "beat" us allows him to save face in not joining the team that beat him, as if he's joining the Spurs to get a Western conference team over the Golden State roadblock. He'll be positioned as the "savior" here rather than as a beta joining other stars.

Yes, I do think it's a long shot because of the fact nothing this good can happen to the Spurs in FA, but the move does make sense for him from a basketball perspective.

It's makes sense, but as you said it's the Spurs; think it's more likely he stays in OKC.

[RD2191]

If KD wants a ring he'll sign with SA.

[Hoops Czar]

Durant is the best FA on the market, if there is a chance to sign him, the Spurs have to.

It would be amazing if they can sign the best FA for 2nd consecutive offseason.

Maybe but, there's a 99.999% he stays in OKC. Do you realize the roster adjustments the Spurs would have to make to just to sign him even if he did consider leaving?

[Hoops Czar]

If KD wants a ring he'll sign with SA.

Agreed. If Kawhi wants a ring, they'll go hard after KD.

[RD2191]

Agreed. If Kawhi wants a ring, they'll go hard after KD.

Kawhi already has a ring and a Finals MVP to go along with it.

[Kawhitstorm]

Trade Kyle Anderson for 3 baby cribs

Cuz KD, Kawhi, and LMA are gonna need em when shit gets tough in the playoffs

:lmao (Trade Porker for CP3 & Pop would need to contract a daycare center)

[look_at_g_shred]

Maybe but, there's a 99.999% he stays in OKC. Do you realize the roster adjustments the Spurs would have to make to just to sign him even if he did consider leaving?
Remember how we thought there was no way we could sign Aldridge either? If KD wants to come here, SA will get it done.

[soxxx]

It's makes sense, but as you said it's the Spurs; think it's more likely he stays in OKC.
I disagree, I think OKC is not as stable as an option and Durant wants stability. Westbrook likely bolts in a year from now, and it might be to LA if LA hits it in the draft this year.

Im sure Durant is aware of that, the one year option to stay in OKC might be viable but most of these players want to lock that money up when they can. Bottomline is, I cant see Kevin Durant agreeing to a contract of 5 years with the Thunder. No chance. OKC is beginning to feel more like a failed experiment, and if it was going to happen, it would have happened by now.

KD has already hinted that he is open to leaving, I recall him not denying that he would want to go home to Washington (but that was when Washington looked like they were up and coming).

[midnightpulp]

Maybe but, there's a 99.999% he stays in OKC. Do you realize the roster adjustments the Spurs would have to make to just to sign him even if he did consider leaving?

That franchise is done for the foreseeable future when GS puts the Final nail in the coffin on Monday. Sure, a mentally strong core like the Spurs had can come back from potential franchise killing chokejobs (Game 6), but the frayed relationship Durant and Westbrook have will be likely be severed now. Durant will also get blasted by the local media over there following this game. Barring a miracle win, Durant is gone.

[SD126]

He's not going anywhere. And if he did, there are better options than the Spurs. Don't get Spurstalk's obsession for wanting him or thinking he's coming over.

[Hoops Czar]

Remember how we thought there was no way we could sign Aldridge either? If KD wants to come here, SA will get it done.

No, Spurstalk was in jinx mode. There were very few teams in the running and the Spurs were his best possible destination other than staying with his former team. It was also pretty evident that LMA wanted out of Portland. I haven't heard a peep out of Durant.

[Chillen]

Well if they don't win game 7 on Monday he might end up a Spur afterall.

[skulls138]

Was going for OKC until I listened to Colin Cowherd yesterday just laying into Curry when it seemed safe for him to do it.

[soxxx]

That franchise is done for the foreseeable future when GS puts the Final nail in the coffin on Monday. Sure, a mentally strong core like the Spurs had can come back from potential franchise killing chokejobs (Game 6), but the frayed relationship Durant and Westbrook have will be likely be severed now. Durant will also get blasted by the local media over there following this game. Barring a miracle win, Durant is gone.
The people that say there is no chance he leaves are probably the same people I argued with that said Lebron wouldnt leave Cleveland, and that the Colts would never cut Peyton Manning.........

[look_at_g_shred]

No, Spurstalk was in jinx mode. There were very few teams in the running and the Spurs were his best possible destination other than staying with his former team. It was also pretty evident that LMA wanted out of Portland. I haven't heard a peep out of Durant.
I was talking roster wise..considering we had Tiago and nobody in their right mind was confident that we could get LMA AND lock green up too.

[DeRozan m8]

You high? KL hasn't led Spurs to anything.

TBFH

http://ballislife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/LeonardMVP.jpg

[Hoops Czar]

That franchise is done for the foreseeable future when GS puts the Final nail in the coffin on Monday. Sure, a mentally strong core like the Spurs had can come back from potential franchise killing chokejobs (Game 6), but the frayed relationship Durant and Westbrook have will be likely be severed now. Durant will also get blasted by the local media over there following this game. Barring a miracle win, Durant is gone.
Playing devil's advocate for a moment, if he did choose to leave OKC for SA, what position would he play? SF and PF are both taken. If his relationship with Westbrook is fractured and again, I'm not sure that it is, why wouldn't he leave regardless of whether he wins a championship or not? Why does his decision hinge on game 7 loss to the Warriors?

[Clipper Nation]

"Why would we want that choker!!!"

Kawhi and Timmy will teach him how to win. :toast

They couldn't teach other playoff choke artists like Porker and Aldridge how to win, how do you expect Durbeta to learn how to win?

[poeticism707]

He ain't staying. Blowing a 3-1 lead with that kind of (3-23 from 3) chokejob at home is franchise killing shit.

"Why would we want that choker!!!"

Kawhi and Timmy will teach him how to win. :toast

Hilarious!!!

But he ain't coming to SA, dog.

The league already took care of that when they fixed the Spurs out in 6...

Now going to the Spurs is just a "lateral move," LOL.

[Kawhitstorm]

VERY unlikely, but if the Worriers were gonna lose the Series, nothing better than in front of their fans.

The last team to lose a Gm 7 at home after coming back from a 3-1 deficit was...*drum rolls*...the 2006 Spurs.:bang

KD is essentially the Black Dirk so OKC might hold on if Gaymond has a Turnobili game.:lol

[midnightpulp]

He's not going anywhere. And if he did, there are better options than the Spurs. Don't get Spurstalk's obsession for wanting him or thinking he's coming over.

Are you kidding?

Spurs are in a dire, dire need of an additional perimeter scorer right now, especially one who is a volume 3 point shooter. The Spurs don't have any ball dominant players on the team, which would definitely appeal to Durant who's had to watch Westbrook chuck 30 shots per game up for the past 8 seasons (Westbrook is a beast, but typically, volume scorers like Durant don't like playing with other ball dominant players). If the Spurs can retain Green, KD gets to play alongside 2 of the best perimeter defenders in the league, meaning he has to carry less of load defensively. Even if the Spurs have to move Green, playing alongside Kawhi has to be a very appealing idea.

And of course, LMA is a name, and Parker, even though he sucks, still has "name" value. Not to mention the gravity Pop has with the players around the league. Furthermore, Pop is coaching Team USA, so if KD and Pop form a relationship, the chances are even better.

Why does Spurstalk want him?

Because we have ONE legitimate perimeter scorer on this team. Manu is done. Tony is about done. Green is one-dimensional. And our bench perimeter players (Patty, Fathead) are unreliable.

[Leetonidas]

nice part about this series tbh. if warriors win it increases the chance Durant leaves and if OKC wins we can all laugh at GS

[Leetonidas]

Are you kidding?

Spurs are in a dire, dire need of an additional perimeter scorer right now, especially one who is a volume 3 point shooter. The Spurs don't have any ball dominant players on the team, which would definitely appeal to Durant who's had to watch Westbrook chuck 30 shots per game up for the past 8 seasons (Westbrook is a beast, but typically, volume scorers like Durant don't like playing with other ball dominant players). If the Spurs can retain Green, KD gets to play alongside 2 of the best perimeter defenders in the league, meaning he has to carry less of load defensively. Even if the Spurs have to move Green, playing alongside Kawhi has to be a very appealing idea.

And of course, LMA is a name, and Parker, even though he sucks, still has "name" value. Not to mention the gravity Pop has with the players around the league. Furthermore, Pop is coaching Team USA, so if KD and Pop form a relationship, the chances are even better.

Why does Spurstalk want him?

Because we have ONE legitimate perimeter scorer on this team. Manu is done. Tony is about done. Green is one-dimensional. And our bench perimeter players (Patty, Fathead) are unreliable.

co-fucking-signed tbh :toast

[midnightpulp]

Playing devil's advocate for a moment, if he did choose to leave OKC for SA, what position would he play? SF and PF are both taken. If his relationship with Westbrook is fractured and again, I'm not sure that it is, why wouldn't he leave regardless of whether he wins a championship or not? Why does his decision hinge on game 7 loss to the Warriors?

Kawhi can play SG. And in small ball lineups, LMA at 5, KD at 4, Kawhi at 3...

If this Thunder team were to win the title, then naturally KD would want to come back to try for another. But blowing a 3-1 series lead, against a historically great regular season team that has been hyped to no end, leaves the kind of sour taste in a player's mouth that is only remedied by "leaving." See Lebron leaving Cleveland for the first time, when his 66 win Cavs team lost to a underwhelming Magic team and then follow up the next year with losing to a 50 win Celtics team.

There's only so much failure a player can take with a specific franchise. And yeah, KD is to blame for some of that failure, but so was Lebron. Didn't stop him from leaving.

[cjw]

Can't wait to watch him and Kiwi settle for mid range bricks

Imagine KD in an actual system with shooting around him and ball movement. When he's running offense and Westbrook isn't, he's surrounded by one guy who can hit an jumpshot around league average (Ibaka). Westbrook is horrible shooting and Kanter can't stay on floor because of his D. Adams and Roberson are no threat.

Monday will seal his fate either way. He loses and sees this as a team that has blown it's draft picks other than Adams recently, and that will be capped out for the foreseeable future so can only get better by adding minimum vets, getting lucky with a late draft pick, or getting the right guy to sign for the MLE.

They need a guy like Bazemore or Courtney Lee if they take the MLE. Or hope someone like Gordon can be useful to displace Waiters.

Spurs clearing cap space for Durant isn't the worst idea - even if he doesn't come, they'll be able to sign guys at more reasonable deals before the cap spikes next season. Just ideally, don't move Green.

[spursistan]

Are you kidding?

Spurs are in a dire, dire need of an additional perimeter scorer right now, especially one who is a volume 3 point shooter. The Spurs don't have any ball dominant players on the team, which would definitely appeal to Durant who's had to watch Westbrook chuck 30 shots per game up for the past 8 seasons (Westbrook is a beast, but typically, volume scorers like Durant don't like playing with other ball dominant players). If the Spurs can retain Green, KD gets to play alongside 2 of the best perimeter defenders in the league, meaning he has to carry less of load defensively. Even if the Spurs have to move Green, playing alongside Kawhi has to be a very appealing idea.

And of course, LMA is a name, and Parker, even though he sucks, still has "name" value. Not to mention the gravity Pop has with the players around the league. Furthermore, Pop is coaching Team USA, so if KD and Pop form a relationship, the chances are even better.

Why does Spurstalk want him?

Because we have ONE legitimate perimeter scorer on this team. Manu is done. Tony is about done. Green is one-dimensional. And our bench perimeter players (Patty, Fathead) are unreliable.

Yep..the type of game the Warriors just won can only happen if somebody other than your best player blow up for a +30 point game on the road..the Spurs haven't had one of those guys since peak Manu..I don't think LMA has it in him and Kawhi is simply tasked with too much on D and is not yet explosive scoring-wise..

[YGWHI]

Maybe but, there's a 99.999% he stays in OKC. Do you realize the roster adjustments the Spurs would have to make to just to sign him even if he did consider leaving?

The Spurs already sacrificed depth before, they will do it again for KD.

The only issue to consider in the negotiation is what is Durant willing to sacrifice? Stats, points, minutes, media recognition?

He knows if he signs with the Spurs he won't have +20 FGA per game in regular season or playoffs, no more scoring champion seasons, he will barely play more than 34 minutes per game...

[SAGirl]

He isn't coming here.
^^^ agree.
Spurs fans setting themselves up for disappointment.

[baseline bum]

Damn you all over react to one fucking game all the time. He's not leaving OKC, especially when the loss tonight was his own god damn fault. :lol

[SAGirl]

The didnt choke because of his team. They choke because of him. Russell has been outplaying him the whole playoffs and the role players have steped up.
I kind of agree. Russ didn't play well either, but they in general have a good team. In fact if you switch out just Kawhi and Durant, same team, Kawhi wins, seriously.

[SAGirl]

Durant is the best FA on the market, if there is any chance to sign him, the Spurs have to.

It would be amazing if they can sign the best FA for 2nd consecutive offseason.
Odds are against us....

[midnightpulp]

The Spurs already sacrificed depth before, they will do it again for KD.

The only issue to consider in the negotiation is what is Durant willing to sacrifice? Stats, points, minutes, media recognition?

He knows if he signs with the Spurs he won't have +20 FGA per game in regular season or playoffs, no more scoring champion seasons, he will barely play more than 34 minutes per game...

He'll probably still get a lot of touches, since he'll be taking shots away from Parker. And if Duncan is gone next season or comes off the bench, there's more attempts for him. Not to mention Manu's reduced load translates into more shots for him.

[spurtech09]

I want Klay Thompson......
Dude can shoot lights out....

[midnightpulp]

Damn you all over react to one fucking game all the time. He's not leaving OKC, especially when the loss tonight was his own god damn fault. :lol

Why would he stay there?

Also, many of Cleveland's flame outs in the post season were Lebron's fault, especially his last game there prior to the Decision when he had 10 turnovers. Yeah, pairing with Wade and Bosh was "planned," but we don't know if KD has plans of his own.

It is a longshot, but we have a shot.

[horsielove]

what's worse, choking a 3-1 series or blowing a 5 point lead with 28 secs remaining while leading 3-2 in a game 6 of a best of 7 finals?

[skulls138]

TBFH

http://ballislife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/LeonardMVP.jpgThats a great photo. Bill Russell just may be the GOAT. I bet he is impressed with Kawhi.

[kuato]

The OKC ninja turtle is the reazon Warrios will win it.

[spursistan]

I so don't want us to waste the the coming peak years of Kawhi like we did with Timmy in early 2000s...I'll take every talent I can add...

[SAGirl]

The last team to lose a Gm 7 at home after coming back from a 3-1 deficit was...*drum rolls*...the 2006 Spurs.:bang

KD is essentially the Black Dirk so OKC might hold on if Gaymond has a Turnobili game.:lol
I wanted Raymond to melt, unlikely to happen though bc Kerr has reigned him in.

Kerr sat him down when he was starting to run his mouth.

I didn't watch GSW vs Cavs RS but I feel Cavs have no chance against GSW (LeBron haters will be happy about it but I don't care about the eastern conference teams at all unless we are in the finals). Western conference teams getting on a dynasty while we are in the middle of a retooling/rebuilding though I can't get behind.

OKC athleticism, length and rebounding gave GSW the most trouble. If GSW closes out OKC I feel they will win the finals, repeat, and shut down all the asterisk talk. On to the draft, summer league and rebuild/retooling for us.

[MAxEric]

Fuck you!!
i hate that fucking KD so much!!
dont come to Spurs and pollute Spurs!!

Fuck!!

[midnightpulp]

I so don't want us to waste the the coming peak years of Kawhi like we did with Timmy in early 2000s...I'll take every talent I can add...

:toast

But yeah, let's add more late round Euro draft picks, 2nd round projects, old ass vets, and unsigned players. That'll get us over the hump!

Anyhow, it was proven that Kawhi and LMA plus a "Committee" wasn't enough, and it won't be enough next season or the following season. The Warriors core are all still under 30. We need a 3rd star on the perimeter. And with Parker declining by the minute, Manu ready for the retirement home, Kawhi is going to have carry more perimeter scoring load than ever next season. He needs help. And like I said, we can't sit around waiting for "the perfect player at the perfect price."

I would even gamble on DeRozan if no one else is available. That's how fuckin' desperate I am for a perimeter player other than Kawhi who can actually score more than 20 points for 2 consecutive games.

[YGWHI]

He'll probably still get a lot of touches
Of course, but not the same volumen that he has on the Thunder.

LMA was willing to sacrifice his individual stats, but he's 30/31 years old, maybe a younger player like KD isn't ready to make that move yet.

[Vokun]

Great, then we can watch KD, Kawhi, and LMA choke all at the same time in crunchtime.

[midnightpulp]

Of course, but not the same volumen that he has on the Thunder.

LMA was willing to sacrifice his individual stats, but he's 30/31 years old, maybe a younger player like KD isn't ready to make that move yet.

Pop will have to sell it that him and Kawhi will basically be like him and Westbrook, with LMA in the Ibaka role. LMA will be willing. He just probably wants a ring, no matter the role. Time is ticking on his prime years.

If this does happen, Pop will also naturally increase the pace of the offense, meaning more touches all around for the new Big 3.

[spurtech09]

Doubt KD comes to SA....For all I know he will probably resign with OKC...

[Kawhitstorm]

OKC athleticism, length and rebounding gave GSW the most trouble. If GSW closes out OKC I feel they will win the finals, repeat, and shut down all the asterisk talk. On to the draft, summer league and rebuild/retooling for us.

Duds weren't that impressive against the Blazers who aren't exactly an athletic team nor known for their defense.:lol

Kyrie is actually a better version of Lillard & JR is a MUCH better defender than CJ. The person that would have trouble on defense is Love but they could play him at center, swap Tristan w/ Delly so he can guard Curry & LeBron can matchup against Draymond. They also have Shumpert who was the one that put the clamps on Klay last season.

For the Cavs to win, Love has to be playable, Kyrie would have neutralize the current version of Curry & LeBron has to play defense like the 2013 Finals.

[YGWHI]

Pop will have to sell it that him and Kawhi will basically be like him and Westbrook, with LMA in the Ibaka role. LMA will be willing. He just probably wants a ring, no matter the role. Time is ticking on his prime years.

If this does happen, Pop will also naturally increase the pace of the offense, meaning more touches all around for the new Big 3.

Not sure if the Spurs can increase the pace with Manu and Tim still on the team...Also, playing KD only 34 mpg doesn't give him many chances to score 28 ppg.

Despite touches, points, minutes, all those things, I still think the Spurs are on top of his list.

[YGWHI]

Odds are against us....
Well, weirder things happened in the league.

[SAGirl]

Duds weren't that impressive against the Blazers who aren't exactly an athletic team nor known for their defense.:lol

Kyrie is actually a better version of Lillard & JR is a MUCH better defender than CJ. The person that would have trouble on defense is Love but they could play him at center, swap Tristan w/ Delly so he can guard Curry & LeBron can matchup against Draymond. They also have Shumpert who was the one that put the clamps on Klay last season.

For the Cavs to win, Love has to be playable, Kyrie would have neutralize the current version of Curry & LeBron has to play defense like the 2013 Finals.
Ill have to see it to believe it TBH. I don't think Cavs will win. But I don't care about the east. I actually sympathize with Cavs bc they were dealt a bad deal last season with a depleted team in the finals. I just get bored of the same LeBron shizz but being bored by the lack of diversity coming out of the east is not the same as hate so I am perfectly ok (in fact I'd prefer it if they win over GSW), I just don't think they have it in them to defeat GSW.

I would also take Durant in a heartbeat bc the team needs a talent injection but I don't think Durant is a seamless fit and he won't make us necessarily much better bc we need a guard and a big, but we also need talent. Frankly I just don't want Pop to run this thing right back almost entirely as it was, and yet that's exactly what is ikely to happen.

[Kawhitstorm]

I would also take Durant in a heartbeat bc the team needs a talent injection but I don't think Durant is a seamless fit and he won't make us necessarily much better bc we need a guard and a big, but we also need talent. Frankly I just don't want Pop to run this thing right back almost entirely as it was, and yet that's exactly what is ikely to happen.

LeBron left the 60 win Cavs to form the Heatles after the Heat got bounced in the 1st rd, so it's possible if Aldridge has some type of acquaintance w/ KD since they are both a product of Texas Longhorns program. The most likely indicator is how he plays in Gm 7, if he quits on his team then he's done!

[AFMadison]

I want Klay Thompson......
Dude can shoot lights out....
Same here, and solid d.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

KD has been shooting poorly, and it hurt OKC today when they most needed it.

Game 7 will be fascinating though - Westy could go beast mode like he did against us in game 5, or KD could bounce back.

OKC lost this game like we lost 2 and 5 - simply couldn't score in last few minutes.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Damn you all over react to one fucking game all the time. He's not leaving OKC, especially when the loss tonight was his own god damn fault. :lol

Exactly.

[99 Problems]

Klaymond knocking down 3s. OKC unable to stop him. Has the West come to this.

[spurtech09]

KD has been shooting poorly, and it hurt OKC today when they most needed it.

Game 7 will be fascinating though - Westy could go beast mode like he did against us in game 5, or KD could bounce back.

OKC lost this game like we lost 2 and 5 - simply couldn't score in last few minutes.ran out of gas.....you think there going to have anything left in the tank for game 7....doubt it....

[midnightpulp]

LeBron left the 60 win Cavs to form the Heatles after the Heat got bounced in the 1st rd, so it's possible if Aldridge has some type of acquaintance w/ KD since they are both a product of Texas Longhorns program. The most likely indicator is how he plays in Gm 7, if he quits on his team then he's done!

Plot thickens.

And let's not forget the hints KD was dropping during our series.

"Kawhi is the best mid-range shooter in the game."

"I have tremendous respect for the Spurs."

(on David West taking a paycut) "Money isn't everything."

Now, I'm not saying it's a done deal or even that the odds are in our favor, but I think KD is playing with the idea in his mind.

The conditions also happened to unfold perfectly to maybe motivate KD to joining the Spurs.

- He beat us. So he avoids the shame of having of to run to a team that beat his team or to a championship team. Despite the 67 wins, the Spurs are nowhere near as good as that record, and KD will see himself (and the media will also see it) as him being the final "piece" to a team on the verge of contention (yeah, we weren't a contender this season. Couldn't even make it to the fuckin' Conference Finals, like a contender is supposed to). Again, he'll be seen as the "savior."

- Epic chokejob. As mentioned, what's happening to the Thunder is the kind of situation that sours a player on his current situation to the point where he needs a change (see: Lebron bolting Cleveland).

- He's the perfect fit. The Spurs have no other perimeter/guard scoring aside from Kawhi. KD will know he will get plenty of touches.

- Pop is coaching Team USA. Kawhi Leonard is also on that team. If a relationship develops, and KD likes playing for Pop, our odds are greatly increased.

All the dominos (no pun intended) are falling into place.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

ran out of gas.....you think there going to have anything left in the tank for game 7....doubt it....

You never know. Noone thought they'd be this good until we woke the beast with that 32pt beatdown.

Klay won't hit 11 3s again, and today's game was basically decided by 3 plays.

I rate Dubs as 55-45 favorites.

[Chris]

Imagine the corny HEB commercials...

Imagine the tiles! Not one..not two..not three

:lobt2: :lobt2: :lobt2: :lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2:

[kobyz]

Next year is durant instead barnes in warriors starting lineup...

[TrainOfThought5]

The didnt choke because of his team. They choke because of him. Russell has been outplaying him the whole playoffs and the role players have steped up.

Broken clock is right.

Westbrook is the one that the Spurs need, not Durant.

[dbreiden83080]

If he leaves after that performance he can flush his legacy down the damn toilet. He better stay put. OKC is still stacked going forward..

[jbspurs]

You high? KL hasn't led Spurs to anything.

Finals MVP vs Heat!!

[Thebesteva]

Bump worthy thread in a few months

[UNT Eagles 2016]

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.

Disagree 100%. Definitely think he leaves unless OKC at least keeps Game 7 competitive until close to the end. If the Warriors ever break the game open, Durant is gone.


On that note, I give Durant about a 10% chance of choosing SA. About 20% chance to go to GS, 10% chance to stay in OKC, 10% chance to go to LAL, 35% chance to go to WAS, and a 15% chance to go to some other team.

[NASpurs]

So let's say OKC gets eliminated after the next game and let's take into account how bad they choked against GSW. Why in the fuck would he join the Warriors? I can't wrap my head around how someone, who makes his living as a competitor and as the main cog of his current team, would join the team that just eliminated him in such am unforgettable fashion. Durant is going to have many sleepless nights and a bitter taste in his mouth for a while; him joining the Warriors after this debacle is at zero percent. It's not like the guy is a nobody journeyman switching teams.

[Chillen]

If he doesn't stay with OKC, Spurs have the best shot imo plus it's an easy move down to San Antonio. If they don't win that game 7 vs Warriors, I think he's gone.

[cd98]

Low chance Durant goes to Spurs. This Thunder team is better than the Spurs, as they proved in the playoffs and if he wants to win a title and go to a more talented team than the one he is on, then he goes to the Warriors.

[TheGreatYacht]

Zero chance he goes to the Warriors after he got beat by them... The scrutiny would be worse than the decision

He'd take no heat if he left to the Spurs because he ended our season

[Kikoluna]

OKc will win game 7. Mouth breather and mouthpiece cannot win.

[soxxx]

The people saying he wont leave, ask yourself, do you really think he will take a five year deal to stay in OKC when he has no idea what Westbrook is doing?!? If Westbrook left after next year it would be a disaster for KD and his career. We have always heard Westbrook will go to the Lakers, if the Lakers hit with their draft pick they could end up as his ideal destination

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

You're all wrong. KD will sign a 1 year deal with OKC and make his mind up when the cap peaks, and Westbrook is a FA too, next year. It's the logical play that maximise his value.

[soxxx]

You're all wrong. KD will sign a 1 year deal with OKC and make his mind up when the cap peaks, and Westbrook is a FA too, next year. It's the logical play that maximise his value.
Ive discussed the one year option before but it is not logical because 99% of these stars lock up their money when they have the chance, it also means he will have to go through this whole process again in a year. It would be a high risk/low reward decision for KD, if he intends to stay, he will make sure he gets the long contact.

[cjw]

Low chance Durant goes to Spurs. This Thunder team is better than the Spurs, as they proved in the playoffs and if he wants to win a title and go to a more talented team than the one he is on, then he goes to the Warriors.

The Thunder team may be better than the Spurs as currently constituted (though they ran pretty even throughout the series). But that's not the comparison to make - are the Spurs with KD better than the Thunder with KD is.

Similar to Lebron going to Cleveland. The Heat were better than the Cavs, but Lebron moving immediately changed the dynamic.


Ive discussed the one year option before but it is not logical because 99% of these stars lock up their money when they have the chance, it also means he will have to go through this whole process again in a year. It would be a high risk/low reward decision for KD, if he intends to stay, he will make sure he gets the long contact.

Not only that, but Durant signing 1 in OKC plus a 5 year extension (likely 4 with opt out) means he won't hit FA again until 33-34. A four year deal makes him a FA again at 32. Likely a more lucrative second contract plus locks up money now vs. in one year (what happens if he breaks his foot again?).

[Capt Bringdown]

Durant - a Carmelo Anthony type at heart

[soxxx]

The Thunder team may be better than the Spurs as currently constituted (though they ran pretty even throughout the series). But that's not the comparison to make - are the Spurs with KD better than the Thunder with KD is.

Similar to Lebron going to Cleveland. The Heat were better than the Cavs, but Lebron moving immediately changed the dynamic
The fact you have to explain that should tell ya something.........smh with some of these co-fans.

[look_at_g_shred]

So let's say OKC gets eliminated after the next game and let's take into account how bad they choked against GSW. Why in the fuck would he join the Warriors? I can't wrap my head around how someone, who makes his living as a competitor and as the main cog of his current team, would join the team that just eliminated him in such am unforgettable fashion. Durant is going to have many sleepless nights and a bitter taste in his mouth for a while; him joining the Warriors after this debacle is at zero percent. It's not like the guy is a nobody journeyman switching teams.

[SAGirl]

OKC has a better team. Not only they defeated us, but the majority of our team is over the hill big time at this point, as in they need to retire, and may come back next season in a decrepit Kobe state (I hope to God they don't, and that they know when it's time and spare us that), or not at all.

On top of that the few roleplayers we have worth something we will move to get him, Green and/or Tony. We will scratch this team and just bring all the foreign stashes that could possibly make it. The only draft picks that look like they could at least make decent roleplayers are between 21-23 yrs old (Anderson, Bertans, Milutinov).... There are no guards in that group, and they are still one project, the other two not even in the NBA, plus they are all forwards/1 center. That doesn't look enticing in the least bit.

It just doesn't make any sense that a team like that, at that point unable to add much more than vet min guys (the same old decrepits we had this season or others worse) would be better than OKC currently is. On top of that we are talking about 3 forwards sharing touches, the court, spots, etc. He would play with two other forwards that love Iso, the midrange, the ball, and are not good enough passers.

A team like the Wizards with a passing PG like John Wall and a shooter like Beal makes more sense for Durant, Wall/Beal young, and they have some assets they could turn into roleplayers. (I know Beal hasn't been healthy). I think he stays in OKC, but if he leaves, he's not coming here.

Ppl continue to set themselves up for disappointment.

[Emperor]

OKC has a better team. Not only they defeated us, but the majority of our team is over the hill big time at this point, as in they need to retire, and may come back next season in a decrepit Kobe state (I hope to God they don't, and that they know when it's time and spare us that), or not at all.

On top of that the few roleplayers we have worth something we will move to get him, Green and/or Tony. We will scratch this team and just bring all the foreign stashes that could possibly make it. The only draft picks that look like they could at least make decent roleplayers are between 21-23 yrs old (Anderson, Bertans, Milutinov).... There are no guards in that group, and they are still one project, the other two not even in the NBA, plus they are all forwards/1 center. That doesn't look enticing in the least bit.

It just doesn't make any sense that a team like that, at that point unable to add much more than vet min guys (the same old decrepits we had this season or others worse) would be better than OKC currently is. On top of that we are talking about 3 forwards sharing touches, the court, spots, etc. He would play with two other forwards that love Iso, the midrange, the ball, and are not good enough passers.

A team like the Wizards with a passing PG like John Wall and a shooter like Beal makes more sense for Durant, Wall/Beal young, and they have some assets they could turn into roleplayers. (I know Beal hasn't been healthy). I think he stays in OKC, but if he leaves, he's not coming here.

Ppl continue to set themselves up for disappointment.

None of us knows what's going on in that dude's head so none can be truly sure what decision he will make depending on the outcome of Game 7. But if you put Durant on the Spurs with Kawhi/Aldridge along with solid role players then that team if healthy will be facing GSW in WCF next season. Question is, would the Spurs be able to find reliable role players after adding Durants max contract.

[SAGirl]

None of us knows what's going on in that dude's head so none can be truly sure what decision he will make depending on the outcome of Game 7. But if you put Durant on the Spurs with Kawhi/Aldridge along with solid role players then that team if healthy will be facing GSW in WCF next season. Question is, would the Spurs be able to find reliable role players after adding Durants max contract.
No. We will not have cap to add anyone else and some guys will need to be cleared. Team would be the 3 of them and random flotsam between picks we haven't seen d league guys, and what is more likely minimum vets. That doesn't look like the best situation is what I am saying. I am sure other teams will present better rosters. He's just not coming here.

But to each his own in terms of delusional FA targets. I'll believe it when I see it (hint: I won't).

[Kawhitstorm]

So let's say OKC gets eliminated after the next game and let's take into account how bad they choked against GSW. Why in the fuck would he join the Warriors? I can't wrap my head around how someone, who makes his living as a competitor and as the main cog of his current team, would join the team that just eliminated him in such am unforgettable fashion. Durant is going to have many sleepless nights and a bitter taste in his mouth for a while; him joining the Warriors after this debacle is at zero percent. It's not like the guy is a nobody journeyman switching teams.

It's more so the Duds wooing KD to upgrade Barnes rather than KD wanting to join their crew. A similar scenario was the Bulls trying to trade Pippen for Kemp after the '96 Finals where Kemp was basically the best player in the series while Pippen was mediocre.


You're all wrong. KD will sign a 1 year deal with OKC and make his mind up when the cap peaks, and Westbrook is a FA too, next year. It's the logical play that maximise his value.

It happened at a different point of their career but Barkley joined the Rockets in '96 after blowing a 2-1 lead & losing TWO consecutive 7 game series ('94/'95) to the 2-peat Rockets. He could sign a one year deal w/ OKC then if say the Duds fail to 3-peat next season he could jump ship in 2017 w/o much scrutiny depending on how OKC fares in the postseason.

Iggy/Bogut/Curry/Livingston will be free agents in 2017 so they should have cap space even if they re-sign Barnes who they could actually dump to clear cap space.

[Hoops Czar]

So let's say OKC gets eliminated after the next game and let's take into account how bad they choked against GSW. Why in the fuck would he join the Warriors? I can't wrap my head around how someone, who makes his living as a competitor and as the main cog of his current team, would join the team that just eliminated him in such am unforgettable fashion. Durant is going to have many sleepless nights and a bitter taste in his mouth for a while; him joining the Warriors after this debacle is at zero percent. It's not like the guy is a nobody journeyman switching teams.

He's NOT leaving OKC. He has a 0% chance of coming to SA. He's the superstar of his team. Players come to him, he doesn't go to them. Russell Westbrook has a better chance of leaving next year in free agency than Durant does this year or next year if he signs a one year deal..

[Spurs9]

In b4 100 pages

[NASpurs]

He's NOT leaving OKC. He has a 0% chance of coming to SA. He's the superstar of his team. Players come to him, he doesn't go to them. Russell Westbrook has a better chance of leaving next year in free agency than Durant does this year or next year if he signs a one year deal..

Great logic there buddy. Why would he stay if Westbrook may bolt?

And what stars have gone to OKC in the past eight years he's been there? His career will go down the toilet if he stays in OKC and Westbrook leaves.

[Hoops Czar]

Great logic there buddy. Why would he stay if Westbrook may bolt?

And what stars have gone to OKC in the past eight years he's been there? His career will go down the toilet if he stays in OKC and Westbrook leaves.

Because Durant is the franchise player that you build a team around. Having two very high usage alpha players on the same team can be counterproductive. Westbrook is a great talent but he has a tendency to fly off the handle while Durant plays much more under control. People are under the assumption that because the Spurs landed a max free agent for the first time in god knows how long, that all of a sudden that makes them a prime location to land max free agents. Boy, are you in for a rude awakening.

"His career will go down the toilet if he stays in OKC and Westbrook leaves."

That's like saying if Ginobili had ever left the Spurs, Duncan's career would have gone down the toilet.

[Captivus]

A few thoughts...
- The Spurs sound like a good choice for Durant, he wont go to the Warriors or the Cavaliers...and if he wants to leave and have a chance at winning a ring, the Spurs are the best choice.
- Remember that winning a ring doesnt mean winning a ring next season. With the Spurs I think theres a 3 year window to do that, so thats another good thing for Durant. He will get a few chances in the next years.
- If the previous point is correct, then theres is time to test the team and get new players to ring in the 2nd year (im saying this because some are assuming the Spurs dont have a PG, either because TP has to go to get KD or because they think TP is done)
- The guy is a shooter, and there is no better team for shooters than the Spurs.
- Like someone said, he defeated the Spurs, so it will not look bad if he comes.
- Is RW leaving? Maybe...he looks like a media idiot, the Lakers should go after him (someone also said this and I agree)

Lets see what happens..I like KD do I would like to have him as a Spurs, cant say the same about RW...

[NASpurs]

Because Durant is the franchise player that you build a team around. Having two very high usage alpha players on the same team can be counterproductive. Westbrook is a great talent but he has a tendency to fly off the handle while Durant plays much more under control. People are under the assumption that because the Spurs landed a max free agent for the first time in god knows how long, that all of a sudden that makes them a prime location to land max free agents. Boy, are you in for a rude awakening.

Except almost no one in this thread including myself has said that he's coming here. We're just saying there's a shot and we all know the Spurs are going to talk to him come July 1st. Most of us are saying he's leaving OKC though. Way to gauge a thread incorrectly.

[NASpurs]

"His career will go down the toilet if he stays in OKC and Westbrook leaves."

That's like saying if Ginobili had ever left the Spurs, Duncan's career would have gone down the toilet.

For as much as I think Manu is great, are you really comparing Manu to Westbrook? :lol Jesus

[Hoops Czar]

Except almost no one in this thread including myself has said that he's coming here. We're just saying there's a shot and we all know the Spurs are going to talk to him come July 1st. Most of us are saying he's leaving OKC though. Way to gauge a thread incorrectly.

The title of this thread reads "Welcome to San Antonio KD!!!" Read the OP's post again for more clarity.

[NASpurs]

The title of this thread reads "Welcome to San Antonio KD!!!" Read the OP's post again for more clarity.

It was a fucking joke.

[Hoops Czar]

For as much as I think Manu is great, are you really comparing Manu to Westbrook? :lol Jesus

The fact that you see that as a comparison. :lol

[NASpurs]

The fact that you see that as a comparison. :lol

You're the one who brought it up, not me.

[Hoops Czar]

It was a fucking joke.

Jokes on you. :lol

[NASpurs]

Jokes on you. :lol

Jokes on me because you're too stupid to realize that the thread title was tongue in cheek? Sure thing.

You're one of those people in real life that needs things explained to them, aren't you?

[spursistan]

He has been sweetalking the Spurs/Pop and even Kawhi with in a pretty unlike KD manner..dude is often known to be snippy in win or lose situation..that kinda gives me hope, if not this year, maybe in 2017..

This would-be chokejob has franchise-altering potential for the Thunder..Short of title or Finals appearance, they could turn into a basketball backwater after 2017 with Russ most likely bolting to his home state playing for Lakers/Clippers ..

[cjw]

No. We will not have cap to add anyone else and some guys will need to be cleared. Team would be the 3 of them and random flotsam between picks we haven't seen d league guys, and what is more likely minimum vets. That doesn't look like the best situation is what I am saying. I am sure other teams will present better rosters. He's just not coming here.

But to each his own in terms of delusional FA targets. I'll believe it when I see it (hint: I won't).

Three of them plus either Green or Parker, plus Simmons (dirt cheap) and your boy Anderson. Not to mention being able to bring over guys from Europe very cheap once they're ready. This isn't the Cavs and Heat and their end of career minimum contract guys who make DWest look like a stud.

All three plus Green would be under very team friendly contracts beginning in summer of 2017 (one year from now) while if they kept Parker, he'd become an expiring a year from now.

You act as if OKC has tons of flexibility to add players when there's a good likelihood either Adams or Ibaka bounce given cap constraints and they remain wildly deficient at the wings. They have way less flexibility going forward than the Spurs do.

The only better roster is Golden State's if they're willing to blow up a piece of their rotation, which they certainly should do.

[DMC]

So let's say OKC gets eliminated after the next game and let's take into account how bad they choked against GSW. Why in the fuck would he join the Warriors? I can't wrap my head around how someone, who makes his living as a competitor and as the main cog of his current team, would join the team that just eliminated him in such am unforgettable fashion. Durant is going to have many sleepless nights and a bitter taste in his mouth for a while; him joining the Warriors after this debacle is at zero percent. It's not like the guy is a nobody journeyman switching teams.
Market.

He accepted a beta role long ago. It's about money now. Draymond Green is getting more press coverage than Kevin Durant.

[Kawhitstorm]

It just doesn't make any sense that a team like that, at that point unable to add much more than vet min guys (the same old decrepits we had this season or others worse) would be better than OKC currently is. On top of that we are talking about 3 forwards sharing touches, the court, spots, etc. He would play with two other forwards that love Iso, the midrange, the ball, and are not good enough passers.

The only Spurs-ish max guy PATFO could LEGITIMATELY sign is Al Horford. The only issue is whether or not they would want to max him out or if he's going to pull a Carmelo & re-sign w/ the Hawks b/c they could offer him the most money. Otherwise, he's a character guy that's familiar w/ the Spurs culture, nobody would scrutinize him for leaving Atlanta (ala LMA ditching the Blazers) & he's a low key guy who doesn't mind playing in a small-market or being the 3rd wheel. He's also a native of DR so playing in a warm weather Hispanic town might be appealing to him.:lol

If Bud is willing to trade Teague for Porker & absorb the difference in salary then the PATFO can create a max salary slot by dumping Diaw (assuming Tim/Manu retire or opt-out & re-sign for the vet minimum).

This would leave the team w/ the Room Exception they could offer to Pau (who would most likely refuse to play backup b/c he's a diva) or Mozgov (assuming his market value is at an all-time low & 2016 is a buyers market for centers). Otherwise, Miles Plumlee could play the Baynes role or Boban would have to play backup center.:lol

They wouldn't really need a backup PF since LMA/Horford/Kawhi can play the position but they could probably sign a vet like Nene for the minimum. Anything but D-Worst::lol

The issue then would be the lack of playmakers coming off the bench but as I've suggested before trading Patty/Simmons(he's an upgrade over James Anderson/McLemore::lol) for Darren Collison could address that issue. They can pickup an undrafted slasher from the summer league to replace Simmons & sign a sniper like Troy Daniels (more efficient Gary Neal::lol) to makeup for Patty's shooting if he can be had for the minimum. They can also draft Malcolm Brogdon who's an NBA ready combo guard that can play alongside Collison. Pick up Mbah a Moute (for the vet min), he can defend both forward positions & is essentially a poor man's Andre Roberson.:lol

So basically,

LMA/Mozgov?
Horford/Nene?
Kawhi/Kyle/Moute
Danny/Brogdon?/Troy Daniels/Undrafted slasher
Teague/Collison

Here is my assessement of how Horford would fit-in from another post:


Horford is actually way more mobile than LMA & matches up well w/ Draymond. He's actually not as bad a rebounder as his numbers suggest (he used to be as good as LMA) since Bud has him playing defense/offense away from the basket. He gets most of his shots from the top of the key while LMA gets his shots from the left wing & Kawhi from the right wing. This will give Porker lots of option for PnP & will keep the defense stretched out, if it was PRIME Porker he would be getting to the rim unmolested.

Horford would also spread the floor for LMA/Kawhi postups thus teams won't be able to double team without paying for it unlike what OKC got away w/ by ignoring Tim. He's also an underrated rim protector & would be fine as long as he plays his natural position (PF) instead of center. This would mean LMA has to man up & bang w/ the like of Adams ala Bogut (at least in the playoffs) while Horford plays the Draymond role by trapping PnRs, switching, guarding stretch 4s or just scrambling on defense.

[Hoops Czar]

Jokes on me because you're too stupid to realize that the thread title was tongue in cheek? Sure thing.


Who said anything about sure thing? Your reading comprehension is hit or miss. I didn't think anyone could be this obtuse....


Logically, it makes sense for him. He'll be 28 next season, and feeling the pressure (legacy wise) of never having won a ring. The Wizards have a decent core, but even with KD, they're still worse on paper than the Cavs. Same with Boston, another potential suitor.

Spurs are ready and he's the perfect fit. And the fact he "beat" us allows him to save face in not joining the team that beat him, as if he's joining the Spurs to get a Western conference team over the Golden State roadblock. He'll be positioned as the "savior" here rather than as a beta joining other stars.

Yes, I do think it's a long shot because of the fact nothing this good can happen to the Spurs in FA, but the move does make sense for him from a basketball perspective.



Are you kidding?

Spurs are in a dire, dire need of an additional perimeter scorer right now, especially one who is a volume 3 point shooter. The Spurs don't have any ball dominant players on the team, which would definitely appeal to Durant who's had to watch Westbrook chuck 30 shots per game up for the past 8 seasons (Westbrook is a beast, but typically, volume scorers like Durant don't like playing with other ball dominant players). If the Spurs can retain Green, KD gets to play alongside 2 of the best perimeter defenders in the league, meaning he has to carry less of load defensively. Even if the Spurs have to move Green, playing alongside Kawhi has to be a very appealing idea.

And of course, LMA is a name, and Parker, even though he sucks, still has "name" value. Not to mention the gravity Pop has with the players around the league. Furthermore, Pop is coaching Team USA, so if KD and Pop form a relationship, the chances are even better.

Why does Spurstalk want him?

Because we have ONE legitimate perimeter scorer on this team. Manu is done. Tony is about done. Green is one-dimensional. And our bench perimeter players (Patty, Fathead) are unreliable.

Kawhi can play SG. And in small ball lineups, LMA at 5, KD at 4, Kawhi at 3...

If this Thunder team were to win the title, then naturally KD would want to come back to try for another. But blowing a 3-1 series lead, against a historically great regular season team that has been hyped to no end, leaves the kind of sour taste in a player's mouth that is only remedied by "leaving." See Lebron leaving Cleveland for the first time, when his 66 win Cavs team lost to a underwhelming Magic team and then follow up the next year with losing to a 50 win Celtics team.

There's only so much failure a player can take with a specific franchise. And yeah, KD is to blame for some of that failure, but so was Lebron. Didn't stop him from leaving.

This thread implies the possibly of him coming here which is at 0%. The Spurs reserve the right to talk to whom ever they want in free agency but the Spurs aren't a prime spot to land max free agents and having LaMarsha and introvert on the roster isn't going to change that.

Couple things...

I would take a prime Manu over an out of control Westbrook 10/10 times

Thinking that Westbrook made Durant and that if he left, his career would go down the toilet. :lol How fucking dense can one be?

Like San Antonio, OKC hasn't had the money to land Max free agents. Over the last 8 years, they've spent money in house until they finally signed Kanter to max last offseason.

[SAGirl]

HI
Three of them plus either Green or Parker, plus Simmons (dirt cheap) and your boy Anderson. Not to mention being able to bring over guys from Europe very cheap once they're ready. This isn't the Cavs and Heat and their end of career minimum contract guys who make DWest look like a stud.

All three plus Green would be under very team friendly contracts beginning in summer of 2017 (one year from now) while if they kept Parker, he'd become an expiring a year from now.

You act as if OKC has tons of flexibility to add players when there's a good likelihood either Adams or Ibaka bounce given cap constraints and they remain wildly deficient at the wings. They have way less flexibility going forward than the Spurs do.

The only better roster is Golden State's if they're willing to blow up a piece of their rotation, which they certainly should do.
I'll just agree to disagree. As I said like 6 or seven spots b4 this one, it's not that I don't want Durant (bc ppl here will spin things that way undoubtedly, although you are not doing that yourself, it's just how things go here....), I don't think he'd fit in seamlessly (ppl gloss over this too but I do think he will consider it) and we don't have the best situation for him. I think he will find better options somewhere else, whether that is OKC (ppl acting like it's a given he leaves are also assuming way too much themselves) and I don't think we'll get him.

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

lol no way hes coming to San Antonio.


i hope i eat my words tbh.

[SAGirl]

The only Spurs-ish max guy PATFO could LEGITIMATELY sign is Al Horford. The only issue is whether or not they would want to max him out or if he's going to pull a Carmelo & re-sign w/ the Hawks b/c they could offer him the most money. Otherwise, he's a character guy that's familiar w/ the Spurs culture, nobody would scrutinize him for leaving Atlanta (ala LMA ditching the Blazers) & he's a low key guy who doesn't mind playing in a small-market or being the 3rd wheel. He's also a native of DR so playing in a warm weather Hispanic town might be appealing to him.:lol

If Bud is willing to trade Teague for Porker & absorb the difference in salary then the PATFO can create a max salary slot by dumping Diaw (assuming Tim/Manu retire or opt-out & re-sign for the vet minimum).

This would leave the team w/ the Room Exception they could offer to Pau (who would most likely refuse to play backup b/c he's a diva) or Mozgov (assuming his market value is at an all-time low & 2016 is a buyers market for centers). Otherwise, Miles Plumlee could play the Baynes role or Boban would have to play backup center.:lol

They wouldn't really need a backup PF since LMA/Horford/Kawhi can play the position but they could probably sign a vet like Nene for the minimum. Anything but D-Worst::lol

The issue then would be the lack of playmakers coming off the bench but as I've suggested before trading Patty/Simmons(he's an upgrade over James Anderson/McLemore::lol) for Darren Collison could address that issue. They can pickup an undrafted slasher from the summer league to replace Simmons & sign a sniper like Troy Daniels (more efficient Gary Neal::lol) to makeup for Patty's shooting if he can be had for the minimum. They can also draft Malcolm Brogdon who's an NBA ready combo guard that can play alongside Collison. Pick up Mbah a Moute (for the vet min), he can defend both forward positions & is essentially a poor man's Andre Roberson.:lol

So basically,

LMA/Mozgov?
Horford/Nene?
Kawhi/Kyle/Moute
Danny/Brogdon?/Troy Daniels/Undrafted slasher
Teague/Collison

Here is my assessement of how Horford would fit-in from another post:

I think overall, the question really boils down to how much of the roster does PATFO want to remake and which guys does he want back. He's not known for big overhauls but he might be willing to move more ppl out than we think, with Tim/Manu the only guys he would take back bc its up to them. I doubt he deals Tony too. Which basically leaves us with the same core. Which is why I think Pop just makes some moves around the edges. He complained mostly about the bench.

In your scenario Tim and Manu retire, and Tony is traded out to clear cap (presumably a pick). So it really depends on how committed PATFO is to really remaking the roster.

[Mnky]

If he leaves after that performance he can flush his legacy down the damn toilet. He better stay put. OKC is still stacked going forward..

There is no legacy if he doesn't ring. Just another stat player. If Thunder chokes up after their series lead, you have to consider it...the thunder legacy is coming up short.

[Kawhitstorm]

I think overall, the question really boils down to how much of the roster does PATFO want to remake and which guys does he want back. He's not known for big overhauls but he might be willing to move more ppl out than we think, with Tim/Manu the only guys he would take back bc its up to them. I doubt he deals Tony too. Which basically leaves us with the same core. Which is why I think Pop just makes some moves around the edges. He complained mostly about the bench.

In your scenario Tim and Manu retire, and Tony is traded out to clear cap (presumably a pick). So it really depends on how committed PATFO is to really remaking the roster.

Considering the Conley rumors, one would assume PATFO are willing to move Porker.:lol

If they don't want to move Porker they they can dump Diaw & replace Tim/Boris w/ Pau/Marvin Williams then trade Patty/Simmons for Collison to upgrade the point guard position. It would depend on if Marvin Williams is willing to come off the bench & whether Pop would be willing to guarantee Pau a starting position.

[Mnky]

It just doesn't make any sense that a team like that, at that point unable to add much more than vet min guys (the same old decrepits we had this season or others worse) would be better than OKC currently is. On top of that we are talking about 3 forwards sharing touches, the court, spots, etc. He would play with two other forwards that love Iso, the midrange, the ball, and are not good enough passers.

Ppl continue to set themselves up for disappointment.

I don't know about that. Being able to post players is a luxury. It offers a high percentage shot (if they are actual post players) and wears the defensive player down on offense. Not to mention, KD and Kawhi can both convert mid range and threes at high percentage, which would be ideal coming from a post feed, and only makes the pick and roll much deadlier when you have multiple guys who can then post the switch or take the mid range.

I don't think because lma and Kawhi are efficient ISO players means they love it. They played with role players that were scared to shoot open threes all year. That leaves the pressure on lma and Kawhi to feel like they NEED to make something happen. They're both good passers, lma is very underrated and Kawhi took big strides this year. Will only be better going forward.

Kawhi can easily play the sg spot and the spurs have a huge advantage there if any Sg has to guard him. This year they put their best defender on him who had size. Imagine an undersized sg having to cover kd or Kawhi.

I'm not saying Kd is coming, but it would definitely make the spurs a huge problem to deal with. Westbrook and kd hit 44 and 40 minutes last night. Warriors are playing klay and curry like crazy too.Kawhi and lma were playing big minutes as well. Kawhi needed rest, but wouldn't need it as kuchen with another scoring option. Helps him do what he does best.. defend.

KD makes spurs better. Does he come? Meh. Not as likely as it is unlikely. Still worth discussing though. What else we got..

[dbreiden83080]

There is no legacy if he doesn't ring. Just another stat player. If Thunder chokes up after their series lead, you have to consider it...the thunder legacy is coming up short.

See this may be the old school mentality in me but I don't see a ring as the only thing, because there should be circumstances tied to winning it. For example in the 90's, Ewing was not going to get all time level credit had he pulled a Lebron and told the Knicks I am leaving to go play with Reggie and the Pacers and he got that ring. There is a lot to be said for sticking it out, and trying to win that ring where you are. He has a great team and probably the best running mate in the league. He is not going to find a better landing spot to carve out his legacy anyway..

[RD2191]

Why do people even respond to hoops faggot? Just put that hoe on ignore and move on.

[SAGirl]

KD makes spurs better. Does he come? Meh. Not as likely as it is unlikely. Still worth discussing though. What else we got..

Good point. :tu
At this point Spurs fans are getting on each other, blaming Pop, blaming Kawhi, LMA, a series of role players with a very small and limited role, instead of the real culprits IMO: the big 3 decline to near Kobe levels of Tim/Manu (who may return, a scary proposition); Tony not being a reliable scorer at this point, Patty and Diaw shitting the bed bc the two of them w/ Manu were the bench core, D-Worst, being D-Worst and Anderson not being ready. By the way, yes, the referees screwed us. Even with all this ^ we were still within striking distance in two games, thus Pop may feel not much but a tweak is needed.

I would rather entertain different ideas like this sure.

[ElNono]

People harp on Kawhi for choking, but this niglet better come out guns blazing in Game 7... what a choke...

[313]

Russ has been shooting like 35-40% all playoffs but the fact that they've been winning in spite of that he gets a pass? Yeah, KD choked, but WB had like four TOs the last few minutes of the fourth.

Nonetheless, the blame will go to KD and he'll leave to the east coast where his only competition will be a past his prime LeBron.

[murpjf88]

This thread implies the possibly of him coming here which is at 0%. The Spurs reserve the right to talk to whom ever they want in free agency but the Spurs aren't a prime spot to land max free agents and having LaMarsha and introvert on the roster isn't going to change that.



Agreed. If Leonard is a true superstar like many claim him to be, there would be no need for Durant. Durant and Leonard are similar in their styles of play. Durant is more polished on the offensive end while Leonard is better on the defensive end. One of Leonard or Durant would constantly be playing out of position because LMA won't move to the C position to accommodate anybody. Durant is the best player available in free agency but he hardly fills a need. They need a penetrating guard like Teagues who can break down the defense. They need to restock the bench with NBA caliber shooters, not D-league scrubs and Euro trash that's basically useless against mainstream competition. Kyle Anderson needs to be moved to 3rd string because he's just not that good.

The team wasn't that far off from championship level play. They just need shooters that can shoot and guards that can penetrate. I think Tony is still capable of producing at high level at times but his inconsistencies are a cause for concern. He'd be best suited coming off the bench. It's best to make good use of him because a Tony Parker trade will only happen when pigs fly.

Even with LMA signing a max contract last offseason, I don't think this is a prime location to sign max free agents. I don't think Durant's praise for San Antonio is anything more than showing a sign of respect toward a class act organization just like Kobe and Lebron have done over the years.

[ElNono]

Russ has been shooting like 35-40% all playoffs but the fact that they've been winning in spite of that he gets a pass? Yeah, KD choked, but WB had like four TOs the last few minutes of the fourth.

Nonetheless, the blame will go to KD and he'll leave to the east coast where his only competition will be a past his prime LeBron.

Westbrook is the reason they were up 3-1 to begin with, tbh... he might be shooting whatever, but he's been getting to the line like crazy and IIRC, his assists are up from previous seasons...

Some people have complained that he tries to hero out at the end of the games, but this season he's been giving the ball to KD, as he should, and KD just been meh closing in this series...

[Russ]

After beating a 67 win team in the playoffs and almost (at worst) beating the best regular season team of all time (who happen to be the defending champs), I don't see Durant leaving OKC.

At worst for OKC, I would expect a one-year deal.

[LkrFan]

:lol at mid

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Ive discussed the one year option before but it is not logical because 99% of these stars lock up their money when they have the chance, it also means he will have to go through this whole process again in a year. It would be a high risk/low reward decision for KD, if he intends to stay, he will make sure he gets the long contact.

Nonsense. He's a 27yo superstar. What risk? There is no risk. He'll wait to maximise his next contract in 2017.

[Arcadian]

If OKC wins it all this year, he stays. If not, there's a legit chance he comes to SA. Unfortunately, I'm still picking OKC to win it all.

However, the Spurs can't fixate on him too much. They can't be "KD or bust." They better have other options.

[coachmac87]

A sales pitch that I'm not hearing mutch of regarding KD to San Antonio is the locked in contracts of Pop, Kawhi and LMA. If KD comes to SA he's guaranteed a 3-5yr window with Pop,Kawhi and LMA. That's something that NO team in the league can match...not even OKC.

Everybody assumes KD would and should sign the +1 contract and become a FA with Westbrook. But honestly how risky is that?? There's obviously an injury concern but also the fact there's ZERO guarantee that Westbrook will just re sign in OKC. We can't project the other possible destinations and there's always been the outside speculation that Russ wants his own shine. What would the Thunder team look like?? The team we are seeing now won't necessarily be the same that offseason with Ibaka, Waiters, Adams also possibly coming off the books that SAME offseason.

If Durant even grants meetings with teams and the Spurs happen to be one of them..things will be interesting

[YGWHI]

Agreed. If Leonard is a true superstar like many claim him to be, there would be no need for Durant.
Well, LeBron's a superstar and needed other two like Wade and Bosh to win a title.

Like Tim, Manu and Parker, or Pierce, KG, Allen, or many other Big3s in the history of the league, most times a trio sounds better than a power duo.

But agree with you that both players have similarities in their games, Iso/midrange/3's but the big difference is KD is more a point-foward and Kawhi's a better post-up player.

They need a penetrating guard but KD would replace Parker in some of his duties as penetrator, facilitator and distributor since the Spurs with KD/Parker contracts couldn't sign a younger/faster guard, and Kawhi would take advantage of the space to operate in the post.

Obviously, with KD and Parker in the same lineup and Manu still on the bench, Kawhi won't have opportunities to improve other areas of his offensive game but he/the Spurs will have a big chance to win a ring again.

Also, if they don't win, and he feels he needs to continue improving and can't do it on the Spurs, he could demand a trade to get touches and minutes reaching his prime on other team. The Spurs would still have KD/LMA and could sign a quality big man with that space becoming a more balanced team. A genuine win win situation for everyone.

[rasuo214]

People who say if KD leaves it hurts his legacy or how no franchise player leaves his team to join another. Um, Lebron James? Not only did he leave his team it was his hometown team and he went to Wade's team. Doesn't seem to have hurt his legacy that much, if at all. Also Lebron was a year younger than KD. Not saying KD will leave but it's certainly an option and the Spurs aren't a bad one if he's looking.

[midnightpulp]

HI
I'll just agree to disagree. As I said like 6 or seven spots b4 this one, it's not that I don't want Durant (bc ppl here will spin things that way undoubtedly, although you are not doing that yourself, it's just how things go here....), I don't think he'd fit in seamlessly (ppl gloss over this too but I do think he will consider it) and we don't have the best situation for him. I think he will find better options somewhere else, whether that is OKC (ppl acting like it's a given he leaves are also assuming way too much themselves) and I don't think we'll get him.

How do you figure we're not the best situation for him basketball wise?

In another post you said that OKC has the better team, as proven by them beating us, but you forget he was the primary reason (other than their rebounding advantage) they beat us. We even held Westbrook to below 40% over the series. Him added to LMA and Kawhi is a far better 1-3 punch than him plus Westbrook and Ibaka/Adams/Kanter (take your pick on the Thunder's number 3). I really think this was the Thunder's "peak" season. I just don't see that roster, as it is, improving upon the performance they had this season. KD on the Spurs turns them into a superteam, especially if we figure out how to keep Danny.

I just don't see any better options basketball wise. Wall and Beal are way below LMA and Kawhi. Boston has a nice young team, but they're still a few years away from maturing. Not to mention their best player is a 5'9" PG. What Thomas did this season is likely unsustainable.

I see it being between OKC and the Spurs. He might feel loyalty and have faith that Adams and Roberson (two <25 year old players) can further improve going forward. But joining the Spurs does give him the greatest chance of winning a title in the next 3 seasons, since our core and coach are locked up.

I still see it as long shot, just because the Spurs landing the two biggest FAs in back-to-back seasons would be unprecedented, but there's a lot of logical reasons as to why it makes sense for KD, especially if he's desperate for a title. (Have to remember, he's 28. Clock is ticking).

[cutewizard]

Durant shall arrive at the shores of the Spurs universe!

Book it!

[AFMadison]

How do you figure we're not the best situation for him basketball wise?

In another post you said that OKC has the better team, as proven by them beating us, but you forget he was the primary reason (other than their rebounding advantage) they beat us. We even held Westbrook to below 40% over the series. Him added to LMA and Kawhi is a far better 1-3 punch than him plus Westbrook and Ibaka/Adams/Kanter (take your pick on the Thunder's number 3). I really think this was the Thunder's "peak" season. I just don't see that roster, as it is, improving upon the performance they had this season. KD on the Spurs turns them into a superteam, especially if we figure out how to keep Danny.

I just don't see any better options basketball wise. Wall and Beal are way below LMA and Kawhi. Boston has a nice young team, but they're still a few years away from maturing. Not to mention their best player is a 5'9" PG. What Thomas did this season is likely unsustainable.

I see it being between OKC and the Spurs. He might feel loyalty and have faith that Adams and Roberson (two <25 year old players) can further improve going forward. But joining the Spurs does give him the greatest chance of winning a title in the next 3 seasons, since our core and coach are locked up.

I still see it as long shot, just because the Spurs landing the two biggest FAs in back-to-back seasons would be unprecedented, but there's a lot of logical reasons as to why it makes sense for KD, especially if he's desperate for a title. (Have to remember, he's 28. Clock is ticking).
I'm with you. I'm thinking he stays though. He may feel GS as the only threat out of the west, and should already be on his way to a title. I think it would be different if he himself wasn't part of the collapse.

[cutewizard]

Go Durant, go go Durant Durant!

GO DURANT, GO GO DURANT!

[soxxx]

Nonsense. He's a 27yo superstar. What risk? There is no risk. He'll wait to maximise his next contract in 2017.Name one superstar outside of Lebron James who has taken a one year deal. There is always a risk, thats why all the stars lock up the money when they can....and really including Lebron to, when he went to Miami he signed long term and not short term.

[cjw]

Name one superstar outside of Lebron James who has taken a one year deal. There is always a risk, thats why all the stars lock up the money when they can....and really including Lebron to, when he went to Miami he signed long term and not short term.

Lebron's year deals aren't even one year deals. They're always 1+1 with a player option. He's also never had injury issues

[tbdog]

Well, LeBron's a superstar and needed other two like Wade and Bosh to win a title.

Obviously, with KD and Parker in the same lineup and Manu still on the bench, Kawhi won't have opportunities to improve other areas of his offensive game but he/the Spurs will have a big chance to win a ring again.


In this dream but unlikely scenario, I see Parker coming off the bench and Mills starting. By having Mills out there, no team can rotate off any player in that starting lineup. It would be just sick. Whereas by starting Parker, he would just be standing in the corner, and I rather have Mills do that. Parker off the bench with Manu, TD would be a nice 3 way punch.

[soxxx]

Lebron's year deals aren't even one year deals. They're always 1+1 with a player option. He's also never had injury issues
Yep, and KD has had an injury already. It would be extremely out of the norm for a player of his caliber to take a one year deal at his age, it just never happens and probably never will.

[UZER]

Didn't read throught the whole thread, but if they lose to GS, what other choice does he have to compete for a ring in his prime?

Plus, the arrogance and lack of respect the Warriors carry themselves with and all the mouthing off they've been doing against the Thunder, as opposed to the respect the Spurs carry themselves with and they have for their opponent would seem to help have an impact on his decision to join the only team that has a chance to beat them that with his help.

[Sean Cagney]

He's gone and he won't be here.

^^^^^

[Mnky]

See this may be the old school mentality in me but I don't see a ring as the only thing, because there should be circumstances tied to winning it. For example in the 90's, Ewing was not going to get all time level credit had he pulled a Lebron and told the Knicks I am leaving to go play with Reggie and the Pacers and he got that ring. There is a lot to be said for sticking it out, and trying to win that ring where you are. He has a great team and probably the best running mate in the league. He is not going to find a better landing spot to carve out his legacy anyway..

Legacy is definitely stronger if you stay one place. If you don't ring though.. I mean today's generation barely remember magic Johnson and Larry bird. Without rings, there's so many new "proclaimed" greats, I find it hard for anyone to be remembered without rings.

[lilbthebasedgod]

Don't want him. BasedGod's curse.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Barring some major inner drama he's signing a 1+1 with OKC. It's in his best interest. There's little risk, he's a young top 5, possibly top 3 NBA player. He's getting a max even if he's injured unless he's hit by a truck or something.

35% of a $110M cap sounds incredible.

[Mal]

Barring some major inner drama he's signing a 1+1 with OKC. It's in his best interest. There's little risk, he's a young top 5, possibly top 3 NBA player. He's getting a max even if he's injured unless he's hit by a truck or something.

35% of a $110M cap sounds incredible.

He can sign 2+1 in SA (:hat) and then max the shit out of salary cap in 2018

[SASdynasty!]

They couldn't teach other playoff choke artists like Porker and Aldridge how to win, how do you expect Durbeta to learn how to win?

http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/finals-mvp-tony-parker-of-the-san-antonio-spurs-pose-for-a-portrait-picture-id74633188

[SupremeGuy]

You high? KL hasn't led Spurs to anything.http://static.sportskeeda.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/kawhi-leonard-1402926516.jpg

[Dex]

The posters in this thread shitting on Kawhi and Aldridge don't deserve to be Spurs fans, tbh.

[Ibleedslvrnblk]

So let ne get this straight. He is going to leave his squad who took GSW to 7 for a team that his current team beat? Also then gets the LBJ label of being a bitch for jumping ship and takes less shots and probably not the man? Unless he hates RW you all are in dream land....

[baseline bum]

People who say if KD leaves it hurts his legacy or how no franchise player leaves his team to join another. Um, Lebron James? Not only did he leave his team it was his hometown team and he went to Wade's team. Doesn't seem to have hurt his legacy that much, if at all. Also Lebron was a year younger than KD. Not saying KD will leave but it's certainly an option and the Spurs aren't a bad one if he's looking.

LeBron left a horrible situation in Cleveland though, it was a one man team there. It's not even close to OKC's situation where Durant would be leaving Westbrook, Adams, and Ibaka, any one of which is an enormous upgrade over anything LeBron had on his shitty 2010 Cavs team.

[tholdren]

http://static.sportskeeda.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/kawhi-leonard-1402926516.jpg
LED THE SPURS TO A TITLE. I do believe bonner got a ring as well. Need to not let your emotions KL you and read the post.

[CGD]

If this has any chance of happening, GSW will have to CRUSH OKC tonight to complete the epic 3-1 comeback. If they lose but come close KD is thinking OKC isn't that far away with one more year of coaching, etc.

[TheGoldStandard]

The Spurs would have to do some financial wrangling in order to get the cap space to consider KD coming to San Antonio. Role Players would have to be brought in to fit the mentality of Spurs and San Antonio isn't really a hot destination.

Realistically who would the Spurs have to move in order to make this happen?

[Clipper Nation]

http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/finals-mvp-tony-parker-of-the-san-antonio-spurs-pose-for-a-portrait-picture-id74633188
http://i.imgur.com/Hd8Zy8n.jpg

[disciple]

Lol - lateral move?

Don't be silly. You obviously are not taking into account that removing him from OKC alone eliminates it from being a lateral move.


Hilarious!!!

But he ain't coming to SA, dog.

The league already took care of that when they fixed the Spurs out in 6...

Now going to the Spurs is just a "lateral move," LOL.

[mo7888]

A sales pitch that I'm not hearing mutch of regarding KD to San Antonio is the locked in contracts of Pop, Kawhi and LMA. If KD comes to SA he's guaranteed a 3-5yr window with Pop,Kawhi and LMA. That's something that NO team in the league can match...not even OKC.

Everybody assumes KD would and should sign the +1 contract and become a FA with Westbrook. But honestly how risky is that?? There's obviously an injury concern but also the fact there's ZERO guarantee that Westbrook will just re sign in OKC. We can't project the other possible destinations and there's always been the outside speculation that Russ wants his own shine. What would the Thunder team look like?? The team we are seeing now won't necessarily be the same that offseason with Ibaka, Waiters, Adams also possibly coming off the books that SAME offseason.

If Durant even grants meetings with teams and the Spurs happen to be one of them..things will be interesting
In reality, it's not a 1 year contract. It's a 3 year contract with an early termination option after year 1. Big difference because it let's him lock in the long term deal in case of injury and still let's him maximize his earning potential next summer.

[KDKSpurs24]

Didn't read the whole thread and not sure if anyone mentioned this but Boston is his best option in my opinion. If they make a good pick at #3 or trade for viable options and bring him aboard they could jump to favorites in the East. That's a tough and young talented team already that was only missing a piece or two. Plus they are in the East. They have many pieces where they could make a lot of moves this offseason and get the exact time of team they want.

[cjw]

Didn't read the whole thread and not sure if anyone mentioned this but Boston is his best option in my opinion. If they make a good pick at #3 or trade for viable options and bring him aboard they could jump to favorites in the East. That's a tough and young talented team already that was only missing a piece or two. Plus they are in the East. They have many pieces where they could make a lot of moves this offseason and get the exact time of team they want.

Boston would be a much better option if it had the #1 or 2 pick. The next few best prospects (Hield, Dunn) play the same positions as Thomas/Bradley/Smart, so wouldn't be surprised to see them move the pick or one of those players. I think they go for Dragan Bender as he fills more of a need at center and his buyout option isn't ridiculous.

That said, they have a ton of cap space assuming they renounce the cap holds on Zeller ($6.5) Sullinger ($5.7) and Turner ($4.5 million) - though any or all of them could return if the Celtics want them to.

They have 12 players under contract without those RFAs totaling $51.8 million. Add in the they can let Amir Johnson and Jerebko go at $12mm and $5mm, respectively, too, bringing the total down to just $34.8 million. Possible they move them and take back salary of players they want in return, too, as they're unguaranteed until 7/3 - before the moratorium is over, so will have to decide sooner rather than later.

Add in cap holds of $3.8 + $1.5 + $1.1 = $6.4 million for the three first rounders (look for them to package 23 and 16 to move up or for future firsts, as their roster is pretty full), and you're at only $41.2 million with no roster spot min contract holds.

That's about $50 million of cap space - enough for two guys. It's going to be very hard for them to use it all up as there are few true max players + a full roster. I'd instead use that cap space pre-FA to take back players that other teams are looking to shed to make their own runs at free agents, especially if they're expiring deals. Their cap situation is great heading into summer of 2017 too.

Their ridiculous amount of cap space should make them HUGE players for restricted free agents. Unlike other teams, they can afford to have cap room locked up in RFAs.

[coachmac87]

In reality, it's not a 1 year contract. It's a 3 year contract with an early termination option after year 1. Big difference because it let's him lock in the long term deal in case of injury and still let's him maximize his earning potential next summer.

No a +1 is a 2yr deal with a player option....

It's the same deals LeBron has signed with Cleveland

[TD 21]

He was never coming to the Spurs and I actually never thought he'd leave the Thunder, so long as they didn't come out of these playoffs with the sense that they're clearly behind the Warriors/Spurs, which they now obviously won't.

I expect him to re-sign for 2 years, with a player option after the 1st, to both maximize his earnings and have another season to view the league's landscape.

I don't know if it was the Aldridge signing or what, but I don't get why people seem to think the Spurs are now some destination for top players. Aldridge, for reasons that have been discussed ad nauseam, was a unique case, which was probably as much a reason as they signed him as anything.

[coachmac87]

He was never coming to the Spurs and I actually never thought he'd leave the Thunder, so long as they didn't come out of these playoffs with the sense that they're clearly behind the Warriors/Spurs, which they now obviously won't.

I expect him to re-sign for 2 years, with a player option after the 1st, to both maximize his earnings and have another season to view the league's landscape.

I don't know if it was the Aldridge signing or what, but I don't get why people seem to think the Spurs are now some destination for top players. Aldridge, for reasons that have been discussed ad nauseam, was a unique case, which was probably as much a reason as they signed him as anything.



Well it's been reported around the league for one so that gives reasons to discuss...

And the league is watered down and Spurs core of Pop,Kawhi,Durant and LMA is guaranteed 3-5yr window. Something OKC can't even offer

[RD2191]

He was never coming to the Spurs and I actually never thought he'd leave the Thunder, so long as they didn't come out of these playoffs with the sense that they're clearly behind the Warriors/Spurs, which they now obviously won't.

I expect him to re-sign for 2 years, with a player option after the 1st, to both maximize his earnings and have another season to view the league's landscape.

I don't know if it was the Aldridge signing or what, but I don't get why people seem to think the Spurs are now some destination for top players. Aldridge, for reasons that have been discussed ad nauseam, was a unique case, which was probably as much a reason as they signed him as anything.

Terrible take per usual.

[rasuo214]

LeBron left a horrible situation in Cleveland though, it was a one man team there. It's not even close to OKC's situation where Durant would be leaving Westbrook, Adams, and Ibaka, any one of which is an enormous upgrade over anything LeBron had on his shitty 2010 Cavs team.

I agree but KD has to see that Cleveland have a Big3, GSW have a Big3, OKC doesn't. Yea OKC is more talented that those Cavs but is it enough to compete with the top 2 teams in the league? Plus there's the risk of Westbrook leaving next season. So those are factors to consider, if OKC wins the Championship this year then KD gets his ring and all the pressure is off but if he doesn't then he needs to weigh all these factors. That's why I think the 1+1 is most likely.

[Vokun]

naw

[kuato]

Westbrook with the mental fart will bring Durant to SA

[tholdren]

LOL - he's a douche.

[Uriel]

He was never coming to the Spurs and I actually never thought he'd leave the Thunder, so long as they didn't come out of these playoffs with the sense that they're clearly behind the Warriors/Spurs, which they now obviously won't.

I expect him to re-sign for 2 years, with a player option after the 1st, to both maximize his earnings and have another season to view the league's landscape.

I don't know if it was the Aldridge signing or what, but I don't get why people seem to think the Spurs are now some destination for top players. Aldridge, for reasons that have been discussed ad nauseam, was a unique case, which was probably as much a reason as they signed him as anything.
It's true that the Aldridge and Durant situations are different. But there are some interesting parallells.

Years of playing for the same team without a championship? Check. A superstar PG hogging the spotlight? Check. An acrimonious end to your last playoff run? Check. A connection to the state of Texas? Check. A deep admiration for Popovich and the culture he's built within the Spurs organization? Check.

I'm not saying Durant will come to the Spurs. But Aldridge has set the precedent, so it makes it easier for Durant to make the leap.

[ducks]

Well it's been reported around the league for one so that gives reasons to discuss...

And the league is watered down and Spurs core of Pop,Kawhi,Durant and LMA is guaranteed 3-5yr window. Something OKC can't even offer

[tholdren]

you're an idiot if you want doucherant. Last 3 plays -

1. 3 on Durant
2. Terrible shot by durant
3. Durant gave up offensive rebound.


jesus

[KDKSpurs24]

Don't want.

[soxxx]

you're an idiot if you want doucherant. Last 3 plays -

1. 3 on Durant
2. Terrible shot by durant
3. Durant gave up offensive rebound.


jesus
Lebron had similar issues, ended up changing teams and winning two titles. Ill sign up for that.

[eDizzle20]

OKC regresses to the same ole OKC when things are bleak, KD one-on-one. Some things never change. Come to San Antonio ��

[HarlemHeat37]

Lebron had similar issues, ended up changing teams and winning two titles. Ill sign up for that.

:lol no, he didn't..Lebron's supporting casts were never in the same universe as Durant's..

1. Durant isn't joining a team he just defeated in the playoffs, despite having a terribly flawed OKC team with a rookie coach and no HCA
2. OKC's core is better than San Antonio's
3. Durant-Aldridge would be sooooooo soft :(

[spursistan]

He'll never live down Game 6...Talk about refusing his date with destiny when it looked like he will ride an epic run to a maiden ring..

And no, there is no Pop and Timmy and Manu-- mad as fuck-- walking through that Thunder locker room door to go on a redemption tour the season after..

[spurraider21]

He'd fit right in tbh

[RD2191]

Join us on the dark side, Kevin.

[.G.]

They gotta make this shit happen on da downstrole.

[SpursFan86]

He was never coming to the Spurs and I actually never thought he'd leave the Thunder, so long as they didn't come out of these playoffs with the sense that they're clearly behind the Warriors/Spurs, which they now obviously won't.

I expect him to re-sign for 2 years, with a player option after the 1st, to both maximize his earnings and have another season to view the league's landscape.

I don't know if it was the Aldridge signing or what, but I don't get why people seem to think the Spurs are now some destination for top players. Aldridge, for reasons that have been discussed ad nauseam, was a unique case, which was probably as much a reason as they signed him as anything.

Unfortunately have to agree. Even if we had smashed OKC and went on to win a title, I don't think KD was coming here. Seems even more unlikely now.

[Uriel]

:lol no, he didn't..Lebron's supporting casts were never in the same universe as Durant's..

1. Durant isn't joining a team he just defeated in the playoffs, despite having a terribly flawed OKC team with a rookie coach and no HCA
2. OKC's core is better than San Antonio's
3. Durant-Aldridge would be sooooooo soft :(
I thought so too at first, but Durant clearly dislikes his OKC teammates. Plus, he obviously has a lot of admiration for Pop. That's the same combination that motivated Aldridge to leave Portland for San Antonio.

[coachmac87]

:lol no, he didn't..Lebron's supporting casts were never in the same universe as Durant's..

1. Durant isn't joining a team he just defeated in the playoffs, despite having a terribly flawed OKC team with a rookie coach and no HCA
2. OKC's core is better than San Antonio's
3. Durant-Aldridge would be sooooooo soft :(

You're wrong in so many ways...

1. Durant, Kawhi, LMA core would have a guaranteed 3-5 yr window due to locked in contracts. OKC can't pitch that because Westbrook, Ibaka, Adams could all possibly be free agents in same offseason. So what core are you referring to? Next year? Sure. But if Durant is for real coming maybe Duncan, Manu and other ring chasers come along on the cheap.

2. Just because he beats us doesn't mean he won't join. Fine don't join us...Spurs will move on and you'll have to compete the next 3-4 years with Kawhi and LMA and the Warriors. Buttttt if he joins the Spurs that would eliminate Thunder as a contender and pretty much boils down to GSW-SA.

3. What does KD and LMA being soft have anything to do with him coming to SA? Seems like your personsal agenda on a hot shitty take

[Uriel]

Unfortunately have to agree. Even if we had smashed OKC and went on to win a title, I don't think KD was coming here. Seems even more unlikely now.
Why? Did you see his body language as he left the court? He clearly had a lot of acrimony for his teammates. If blowing a 3-1 lead in the WCF won't depress the hell out of you and make you seek change, I don't know what will.

Couple that with his deep admiration for Popovich and the Spurs culture and... :stirpot:

[soxxx]

You're wrong in so many ways...

1. Durant, Kawhi, LMA core would have a guaranteed 3-5 yr window due to locked in contracts. OKC can't pitch that because Westbrook, Ibaka, Adams could all possibly be free agents in same offseason. So what core are you referring to? Next year? Sure. But if Durant is for real coming maybe Duncan, Manu and other ring chasers come along on the cheap.

2. Just because he beats us doesn't mean he won't join. Fine don't join us...Spurs will move on and you'll have to compete the next 3-4 years with Kawhi and LMA and the Warriors. Buttttt if he joins the Spurs that would eliminate Thunder as a contender and pretty much boils down to GSW-SA.

3. What does KD and LMA being soft have anything to do with him coming to SA? Seems like your personsal agenda on a hot shitty take
And if KD goes to San Antonio its basically a 2 horse race in the West and not a 3.......... Lot of factors but the ultimate one is stability, OKC does not off stability because the future of Westbrook is very much in the air. KD's worst nightmare would be to sign long term with OKC only to lose Westbrook after one year. It would bury his chances of winning a title in his prime.

[Robz4000]

Starting to think he might leave OKC, but it won't be for the Spurs. Just might land in Boston or even LAC.

[Hoops Czar]

I thought so too at first, but Durant clearly dislikes his OKC teammates. Plus, he obviously has a lot of admiration for Pop. That's the same combination that motivated Aldridge to leave Portland for San Antonio.

I'd like to see some kind of proof or this is just more Spurstalk related hyperbolic garbage

[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..

[Captivus]

I he leaves OKC and doesnt go to the Spurs, please go East!!! That conference is a joke...and KD knows that

[024]

Why would KD leave OKC for the Spurs? The Spurs bench and supporting cast were outplayed by OKC's players.

Other than swapping Westbrook for Leonard, the Spurs can offer no extra advantages. A cast of Westbrook, Ibaka, Adams, and Kanter is better than Leonard, Aldridge, Parker, and Green. Green might even be gone to make room for a max contract. Other than Leonard, the Spurs' future looks bleak while Westbrook, Ibaka, Adams, and Kanter are all well under 30.

Durant would really have to hate playing with Westbrook to leave.

[Captivus]

I do not like the argument that he is not coming to the Spurs because OKC beat us.

This is how I think it, in math terms, lets give each team a number 1-10 (10 being the best)

Spurs 7
OKC 8
GSW 10

So, GSW is the best of them.

Now...From OKC 8 Pts Durant is 4, If he comes to the Spurs, they will have 11 Pts...so...better than the OKC 8 Pts..

I know this is dumm..bet saying he wont come because he beat the Spurs...thats not rational.

[Uriel]

I'd like to see some kind of proof or this is just more Spurstalk related hyperbolic garbage
Did you watch the game? Throughout the game, Durant's teammates were yelling at each other, pointing fingers, blaming each other for mistakes they made. Even Reggie Miller called it out in the telecast.

If there's one thing that will motivate a man to leave his job to work someplace else, it's working with people one deeply dislikes.

[HarlemHeat37]

The fans see Westbrook taking questionable shots and assume it would persuade Dominos to depart, but we have never heard this from a legit source:lol..

From everything we have seen, Durant loves him and he probably cherishes Russ taking all the heat away from him..he's in a perfect situation, he receives most of the credit when he plays well, but none of the blame when he struggles(which has been the case in their past 2 playoff runs)..the media and fans treat him like a sidekick(in regards to allocating blame), despite being a generational talent..

[Uriel]

Why would KD leave OKC for the Spurs? The Spurs bench and supporting cast were outplayed by OKC's players.

Other than swapping Westbrook for Leonard, the Spurs can offer no extra advantages. A cast of Westbrook, Ibaka, Adams, and Kanter is better than Leonard, Aldridge, Parker, and Green. Green might even be gone to make room for a max contract. Other than Leonard, the Spurs' future looks bleak while Westbrook, Ibaka, Adams, and Kanter are all well under 30.

Durant would really have to hate playing with Westbrook to leave.
Reasons to think Durant will leave OKC to join the Spurs:

1. Played for years in OKC without winning a championship
2. Animosity for his teammates, including having to play with a superstar PG who continually hogs the spotlight
3. Acrimonious end to an otherwise promising playoff run
4. Connection with the state of Texas
5. A deep admiration for Popovich and the culture he's built within the Spurs organization

[coachmac87]

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..

Again you're just stating personal agenda shitty takes. LMA is an ALL-NBA player..so in other words he's a very good basketball player and one of the best at his position. How are Spurs fans being delusional? They didn't create the buzz..respected league sources did.

You personally just don't want KD...

[tbdog]

The fans see Westbrook taking questionable shots and assume it would persuade Dominos to depart, but we have never heard this from a legit source:lol..

From everything we have seen, Durant loves him and he probably cherishes Russ taking all the heat away from him..he's in a perfect situation, he receives most of the credit when he plays well, but none of the blame when he struggles(which has been the case in their past 2 playoff runs)..the media and fans treat him like a sidekick(in regards to allocating blame), despite being a generational talent..

Lebron loved Wade, and walked out on him too. There are millions why he will stay and a million reasons why he would go.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

No way Durant leaves this year. He'd have to take less money to move teams, and he'd be doing it a year before the cap peaks.

He'll sign for one year, or two with a player option on the second, then decide in 2017.

[HarlemHeat37]

Again you're just stating personal agenda shitty takes. LMA is an ALL-NBA player..so in other words he's a very good basketball player and one of the best at his position. How are Spurs fans being delusional? They didn't create the buzz..respected league sources did.

You personally just don't want KD...

:lol my "take" was correct, Aldridge is not a player you can build a contender around..it has been proven throughout his career, he's 30, time is running out..

But anyways, that's irrelevant..my point wasn't about Aldridge as a player, it's about Aldridge as a name..you can't make an argument that he's relevant to non-hardcore NBA fans..IIRC, he has never even finished in the top 15-20 in jersey sales..for comparison's sake, Tim Duncan was still finishing in the top 15 just 2 years ago, despite being "boring" and way past his prime:lol..that's a real "name" and "star"..Durant is even bigger than prime Tim, from a star perspective..

[HarlemHeat37]

Lebron loved Wade, and walked out on him too. There are millions why he will stay and a million reasons why he would go.

Lebron's situation isn't comparable, though..from a marketing standpoint, his "return home" has generated more positive press than his entire time in Miami..

From a basketball standpoint, he didn't join a team that just defeated him and is on the decline..

[Hoops Czar]

Again you're just stating personal agenda shitty takes. LMA is an ALL-NBA player..so in other words he's a very good basketball player and one of the best at his position. How are Spurs fans being delusional? They didn't create the buzz..respected league sources did.

You personally just don't want KD...

In 9 years, LMA has successfully made it out of the first round of the playoffs 1 time. And in that 1 year that LMA had finally succeeded in defeating his 1st round demons, it was because Liliard took over.

[SAGirl]

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..
Not to mention issues of fit and redundancies, all forwards ideally.
Beyond that, a decrepit cast and a bare cupboard on young roleplayers--or so ppl keep telling me anyways. :lol
I really, really doubt he joins us, and I have doubts he would make us that much better too, which makes me not even want him.
We would probably be made much better by getting Adams instead of him.
We would probably improve a lot getting a younger stud of a PG.
My wish list is not available in FA... Durant is not in that list.

To those who say he can play as a SG or PG, his legacy of TO in the crux of games is not something we need to add to our own lot.

[K...]

I do not like the argument that he is not coming to the Spurs because OKC beat us.

This is how I think it, in math terms, lets give each team a number 1-10 (10 being the best)

Spurs 7
OKC 8
GSW 10

So, GSW is the best of them.

Now...From OKC 8 Pts Durant is 4, If he comes to the Spurs, they will have 11 Pts...so...better than the OKC 8 Pts..

I know this is dumm..bet saying he wont come because he beat the Spurs...thats not rational.

this sounds nice, but the spurs lose 2 in the trades to free up space....so 5+4 = 9 and we still lose

[Captivus]

this sounds nice, but the spurs lose 2 in the trades to free up space....so 5+4 = 9 and we still lose

Well...maybe thay add 2 because KD gets double teamed...haha...

I just wanted to make that comment...I do not like that argument (OKC beat us..so he is not coming)

[coachmac87]

:lol my "take" was correct, Aldridge is not a player you can build a contender around..it has been proven throughout his career, he's 30, time is running out..

But anyways, that's irrelevant..my point wasn't about Aldridge as a player, it's about Aldridge as a name..you can't make an argument that he's relevant to non-hardcore NBA fans..IIRC, he has never even finished in the top 15-20 in jersey sales..for comparison's sake, Tim Duncan was still finishing in the top 15 just 2 years ago, despite being "boring" and way past his prime:lol..that's a real "name" and "star"..Durant is even bigger than prime Tim, from a star perspective..

Aldridge is pretty relevant in Durants eyes..he's an All Pro. Aldridge may not be the go to guy to build a championship team is but maybe Kawhi is..and Durant is as well. LMA is the best 3rd option any team can offer right now.

Your take has NOTHING to do with Durant coming to SA..just a personal hot shitty take on Aldridge.

[K...]

Trading westbrook for kawhi is actually a big deal. Kawhi is the better complementary player allowing durant to focus on offense. Like parker and green. Westbrook and Durant is a competition for touches. Nothing in that relationship is easy.

Maybe russ and KD are friends and maybe they just appear to be as they've been linked together for half a decade in their young lives. Based on personality you'd imagine they are not friends.

[Hoops Czar]

Did you watch the game? Throughout the game, Durant's teammates were yelling at each other, pointing fingers, blaming each other for mistakes they made. Even Reggie Miller called it out in the telecast.

If there's one thing that will motivate a man to leave his job to work someplace else, it's working with people one deeply dislikes.

What you call arguing, I call demonstrating leadership. I wish the Spurs had a player on the court that didn't mind getting in player's faces. Instead, Pop has to do it from the sidelines. It's not uncommon for two alpha players like Westbrook and Durant to go at on the court. Problem, it doesn't have a carry over effect. I don't see any pure hatred between Durant and his teammates. If he had a problem with a role player, that player will be gone in the offseason.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Thunder shop Ibaka in the offseason, The nigga makes Danny Green look like Einstein. How the hell you foul two three point shooters with the game on the line in successive series is beyond me.

[coachmac87]

In 9 years, LMA has successfully made it out of the first round of the playoffs 1 time. And in that 1 year that LMA had finally succeeded in defeating his 1st round demons, it was because Liliard took over.

But what does that have to do with Durant coming to SA? LMA helps that not hurt it..

Attacks on Aldridge are irrelevant

[RD2191]

The fans see Westbrook taking questionable shots and assume it would persuade Dominos to depart, but we have never heard this from a legit source:lol..

From everything we have seen, Durant loves him and he probably cherishes Russ taking all the heat away from him..he's in a perfect situation, he receives most of the credit when he plays well, but none of the blame when he struggles(which has been the case in their past 2 playoff runs)..the media and fans treat him like a sidekick(in regards to allocating blame), despite being a generational talent..

Tbh I sort of agree with this. It's almost borderline homo how KD defends Westbrook.

[Hoops Czar]

But what does that have to do with Durant coming to SA? LMA helps that not hurt it..

Attacks on Aldridge are irrelevant

Because like I've said before, the Spurs aren't a prime location to land top tier free agents. It's not about media and marketing though. Tim Duncan and to a lesser degree Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili have don fairly well in that department and Durant would do well too. The Spurs would basically be gutting their roster just to make the numbers work. Kawhi and Durant are kind of redundant. Durant is more polished on offensive end while Leonard is better defensively but they're the same player. Also, asking Leonard to move to the 2 is unrealistic and Aldridge has made it clear he isn't sliding to the 5. If you thought this team was ISO happy this year, wait until you get a load of a Parker, Aldridge, Durant, Kawhi lineup next year.

[coachmac87]

Because like I've said before, the Spurs aren't a prime location to land top tier free agents. It's not about media and marketing though. Tim Duncan and to a lesser degree Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili have don fairly well in that department and Durant would do well too. The Spurs would basically be gutting their roster just to make the numbers work. Kawhi and Durant are kind of redundant. Durant is more polished on offensive end while Leonard is better defensively but they're the same player. Also, asking Leonard to move to the 2 is unrealistic and Aldridge has made it clear he isn't sliding to the 5. If you thought this team was ISO happy this year, wait until you get a load of a Parker, Aldridge, Durant, Kawhi lineup next year.

Why aren't the Spurs a prime destination? They have the most respected coach in the league..regardless what people think of Pop. There's also 2 ALL-NBA players already locked in for at least 3 years. What team can offer that?

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Our biggest need is at C, closely followed by PG. And we need to add athleticism all over the court.

I really like KD, but he isn't coming here, and doesn't fit if he did.

[Splits]

I bet OP $160 that KD is not a Spur in the 2016'17 season.

[Splits]

Tbh I sort of agree with this. It's almost borderline homo how KD defends Westbrook.

If you look south, you can see the border-line, fucking homo

[spurtech09]

I bet OP $160 that KD is not a Spur in the 2016'17 season.lol everybody knows KD is not going to sign with the Spurs....

[Kawhitstorm]

http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/finals-mvp-tony-parker-of-the-san-antonio-spurs-pose-for-a-portrait-picture-id74633188

http://images.hngn.com/data/thumbs/full/145663/650/0/0/0/former-cavalier-daniel-boobie-gibson.jpg

[midnightpulp]

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..

LMA's game doesn't rely on athleticism, though, so he can pick and pop effectively until he's 35. Kawhi is 3 years away from his basketball prime, so I think that alone gives us a better "core" than OKC. Kanter can't play defense. Ibaka is probably actually 35, given how those Africans lie about their ages (Ibaka also looks it. He doesn't leap around like he once did). Adams is nice, but pretty limited and basically feeds off what Westbrook does. Which brings me to <3. I think the ship has sailed on him as a stratosphere player. He's real good at filling up the stat sheet and the pressure he puts on opposing teams with penetration is unmatched, but this was his defining series. His '03 Duncan vs. the Lakers moment, where you erase all doubt and fuckin' obliterate your counterpart. What did he do? Shot around 35% over the last 3 games and had 4 straight TOs in the closing moments of game 5. Hell, we even held him to below 40%. It was Dominos who killed us.

Note: Not trying to shift the blame to Westbrook. Both he and KD have the choking gene in equal amounts, but David Robinson had it as well until he met Timmy :)

Again, I still see it as a longshot, but KD has to be intrigued by the notion of him and Kawhi destroying shit as what will be the most talented wing duo since Michael and Scottie. The rest of the team will come to us, since ring chasers will be killing themselves to play alongside of them.

[cascaders]

welcome to SAN ANTONIO KDDD!! :))

[Mnky]

Why aren't the Spurs a prime destination? They have the most respected coach in the league..regardless what people think of Pop. There's also 2 ALL-NBA players already locked in for at least 3 years. What team can offer that?

Some people can't think without getting emotional. These simple facts are why the spurs have as much chance as any team outside of okc of getting Durant.

[TheGreatYacht]

People that think there's ZERO chance Durant comes here are fucking idiots, tbh :lol no surprise that one of them is one of the Anti-LMA people....

• Aldridge + Leonard > Chuckbrook + Ibaka
• Spurs FO > Thunder FO
• Went to Texas like LMA
• thinks Popovich is a good coach (:lol)
• better defensive team

[Spurs9]

People that think there's ZERO chance Durant comes here are fucking idiots, tbh :lol no surprise that one of them is one of the Anti-LMA people....

• Aldridge + Leonard > Chuckbrook + Ibaka
• Spurs FO > Thunder FO
• Went to Texas like LMA
• thinks Popovich is a good coach (:lol)
• better defensive team
No state income tax too, what is that on like $200million? :lol

[TheGreatYacht]

No state income tax too, what is that on like $200million? :lol
Forgot about that too, damn :wow

[TheDoctor]

People that think there's ZERO chance Durant comes here are fucking idiots, tbh :lol no surprise that one of them is one of the Anti-LMA people....

• Aldridge + Leonard > Chuckbrook + Ibaka
• Spurs FO > Thunder FO
• Went to Texas like LMA
• thinks Popovich is a good coach (:lol)
• better defensive team

http://i1.wp.com/gamedayr.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/built-bought-spurs-heat-billboard.jpeg?resize=581%2C550


:lmao

[TheGreatYacht]

http://i1.wp.com/gamedayr.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/built-bought-spurs-heat-billboard.jpeg?resize=581%2C550


:lmao
:lmao fucking vanilla fans

RC's drafting skills have taken a steep decline, and other scouts finally got visas... The "Built" got old and the youngest guy on the roster is Fathead...

TIME TO MOVE ON

[Killakobe81]

Logically, it makes sense for him. He'll be 28 next season, and feeling the pressure (legacy wise) of never having won a ring. The Wizards have a decent core, but even with KD, they're still worse on paper than the Cavs. Same with Boston, another potential suitor.

Spurs are ready and he's the perfect fit. And the fact he "beat" us allows him to save face in not joining the team that beat him, as if he's joining the Spurs to get a Western conference team over the Golden State roadblock. He'll be positioned as the "savior" here rather than as a beta joining other stars.

Yes, I do think it's a long shot because of the fact nothing this good can happen to the Spurs in FA, but the move does make sense for him from a basketball perspective.

Disagree. KL and Aldridge are both mid range shooters and although KL seems to prefer the baseline wing I think the fit is not perfect when you already have two star players that prefer the same sweet spots on the floor.

but like I said downstairs he signs the one plu one to stay and if/when Russ leaves he will have an "out" and wont take all the heat for breaking up a contender. Plus Pop Kl, and KD can buddy up during Team USA and who knows maybe they decide to superfriend it up ...

[Ditty]

In the next few weeks, just like last season with Aldridge I bet we hear the Spurs will be strongly interested, and Durant will be extremely intruiged by us. You don't pass up on having three top 15 players in this league on your team, and arguably two top five players in this league no matter if he "fits" or not. Pop at least will find a fit for him if that's the only thing he does these days besides recruit. You automatically get one your biggest threats in the west out of the way in OKC if Durant leaves. You figure out the other holes next season when the salary cap goes up again, and fill it with proven veteran role players for now and try to win it all with those three great players which we will have a great shot imo

[Ice009]

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..

They didn't easily defeat the Spurs at all. Games 2 and 5 could have gone either way. So going by your logic, the Spurs could have easily defeated them 4-1 or at the very least 4-3 if some of those end of game calls had gone the other way.

[NameLess Scrub]

I doubt KD will go SAS.

He and WB always go to press conferences together. Wonder if that's real or just their way to share the spot.
Also, I'm still not sure how would they make KD & Kawhi work, or if KD could be convinced that would be no problem.

[BatManu20]

KD is staying in OKC on a Max 2-year deal with an opt-out option next summer. That'll make him the most money and give him at least one more run at it with Westbrook and co.

[coachmac87]

KD is staying in OKC on a Max 2-year deal with an opt-out option next summer. That'll make him the most money and give him at least one more run at it with Westbrook and co.

You take 1 run with Russ over a 3-5yr window with Kawhi, LMA and Pop?

[UZER]

Taking a one year deal with his recent foot problem is downright stupid. You can't take that chance with the history of that injury.

[TheGreatYacht]

Say what you want about Skip Bayless, but he made a pretty good point today tbh :lol

Next season he'll be 28 and headed into his 10th year in the NBA, it's win now mode.. He has a 300M shoe deal.. Does he really want to give it ANOTHER shot with Chuckbrook or does he want to win with a San Antonio or Golden State?