Marc Stein: KD to meet with Spurs, Warriors, not Rockets before making final decision

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

Something we all pretty much expected, but cool to see someone like Stein, NBA executives to confirm.

PER ESPN


Former teammates Kevin Durant (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3202/kevin-durant) and James Harden (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3992/james-harden) are "hanging out" this week, ‎but the close friends' ‎brief reunion isn't expected to have a real impact on Durant's forthcoming free agency, according to league sources.Sources told ESPN.com that Harden's Houston Rockets (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/hou/houston-rockets) are not a team Durant plans to consider when he becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1, despite Harden's presence there and the Rockets' long-known intent to chase him.

At least one picture of Durant and Harden (https://www.instagram.com/p/BGSoBHmgYii/) at a restaurant has circulated this week via Instagram, leading to inevitable speculation about Harden trying to recruit his former Oklahoma City Thunder (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder) colleague to Houston. Sources insist ‎the visit is nothing out of the ordinary ‎for them, given the players' long-standing friendship, and particularly because Houston, sources say, is not a destination Durant intends to consider.

The league office has historically chosen not to apply NBA tampering rules to players from rival teams who have contact with free agents before July 1, which is the first day teams can legally engage with free agents.ESPN.com reported after Oklahoma City's recent elimination in the Western Conference finals that a return for Durant to the Thunder on a two-year max contract, with a player option to return to free agency in the summer of 2017, is widely regarded as the most likely scenario for him in his first foray into free agency.

Durant also is widely expected to take a handful of face-to-face recruiting meetings with a select group of interested teams, with the Golden State Warriors (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors) and San Antonio Spurs (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs) regarded by many rival executives as the two biggest threats to lure Durant away from the Thunder.

Numerous teams, such as the Rockets, are likely to try their luck, regardless of their slim chances. Boston Celtics (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/bos/boston-celtics) All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6472/isaiah-thomas), for example, revealed to The Boston Globe earlier this week his plans to pitch Durant on the Celtics.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/16089303/kevin-durant-james-harden-hanging-rockets-not-likely-teams-durant-consider-free-agency

[Stabula]

Hail Satan!

[Stabula]

Durant would never go to Houston unless he's just that stupid. OKC is a much better franchise than Houston and Westbrook is way better than Harden.

[coachmac87]

This is like over a week old...

[dabom]

Zero percent chance...





































:lmao

[TXstbobcat]

Durant will sign the 1 year deal with OKC and do this all over again next year.

[spurs10]

Durant is a good example of what makes Tim 'the goat." Being really good is great- being a champion like Tim doesn't happen often. Who knows under the guidance of Pop and Tim, he'd have a great shot with Kawhi and LMA. The expectations would be high.

[tholdren]

Doucherant is just that - a douche.

[spurtech09]

KD will stay with OKC.....

[dbreiden83080]

Returns to OKC. Not a tough call. They could be in the finals next year. They were that close..

[Mr. Body]

This probably cements Durant staying in OKC.

[Keepin' it real]

This probably cements Durant going to the Spurs.

[AFMadison]

Durant is a good example of what makes Tim 'the goat." Being really good is great- being a champion like Tim doesn't happen often. Who knows under the guidance of Pop and Tim, he'd have a great shot with Kawhi and LMA. The expectations would be high.
They will need everyone on board

[SD126]

He's staying in OKC.

[Spurtacular]

GS just increased their chances of landing him. Now, he'd be going to a team where he'd be the guy to put them over the top rather than the guy who is mere overkill.

[Clipper Nation]

Who cares? Dominos is a loser no matter where he signs.

[TheGreatYacht]

Harlem hates Durant, so I hate Durant. He calls him Dominos so I call him dominos. Be right back, gotta follow Harlem

[cutewizard]

Durant coming here, book it................

[Kawhitstorm]

Durant would never go to Houston unless he's just that stupid. OKC is a much better franchise than Houston and Westbrook is way better than Harden.

5fTlqrqNfbU

[daslicer]

Hopefully he doesn't go to the Warriors. I'm fine with him going anywhere besides the Warriors.

[spurraider21]

kawhiSHITstorm still with the youtube arguments :lmao

[AFMadison]

kawhiSHITstorm still with the youtube arguments :lmao
:lol

[All Mighty Janitor]

Hail Satan!
:lmao

[DenialTwist]

If KD re-signs with OKC, they'll never win a championship. KD and Westbrook don't compliment each other. KD would be terrific in San Antonio coached by Pop and playing alongside LMA and Kawhi. The only thing I would be worried about is KD thinking Tony Parker is too old to be the starting point guard and is on the decline while Westbrook is in his prime.

[Snaq O'Meal]

If KD re-signs with OKC, they'll never win a championship. KD and Westbrook don't compliment each other. KD would be terrific in San Antonio coached by Pop and playing alongside LMA and Kawhi. The only thing I would be worried about is KD thinking Tony Parker is too old to be the starting point guard and is on the decline while Westbrook is in his prime.

They'll still need a playmaker TBH.

[Ice009]

They'll still need a playmaker TBH.

I think KD can take his playmaking up to the next level. If I'm the Spurs, I'd be telling him that is one area of his game where he can take it up a notch, that and defense. If he does those two things, he will get to the next level.

As for the starting PG, maybe the Spurs can lure someone to take a cheap one year deal if they can get KD on board.

[coachmac87]

It's all about long term plan that he's looking for. Why else look around? It's not like he's taking meeting with any team..just certain ones.

What's the point of looking if you'll miss out on 50+M? Why would he look if he's a lock to return? Marc Gasol didn't look around..

Thunder can't promise ANYTHING other than one more run. And then again KD has to go through it again..but this time with Westbrook, Ibaka and Adans..and anything can happen. Spurs have Kawhi and LMA and Pop locked up for 3 years...

Why else look around? He wants 3-4 years..not just 1.

[TheCerebral1]

Let's go Durant!

[look_at_g_shred]

kawhiSHITstorm still with the youtube arguments :lmao
yooooo :lmao

[TheDoctor]

KD in Texas (Austin) for today and tomorrow presenting his new shoe KD9...

http://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/cache/db/d5/dbd57bcbb3fff7245025a39061012200.png


:pop: - Hey RC, did he knows about NASA?

[TheGreatYacht]

KD in Texas (Austin) for today and tomorrow presenting his new shoe KD9...

http://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/cache/db/d5/dbd57bcbb3fff7245025a39061012200.png


:pop: - Hey RC, did he knows about NASA?
So THAT'S why KD visited Houston a couple of weeks ago....

[tholdren]

kd is a loser.

[bic50]

kd is a loser.

Hates kawhi and kd but loves jimmer.

[SpursforSix]

:pop: Life ain't nothin' but bitches and money.

[Indazone]

Well that sucks! For the Rockets that is.

[SpursforSix]

Well that sucks! For the Rockets that is.

:pop: fuck yo Rockets fool.

[RD2191]

Would KD even fit it with the Dubs? Why would he go there? Curry and Klay are both elite scorers and there is only one ball to go around.

[SpursforSix]

Would KD even fit it with the Dubs? Why would he go there? Curry and Klay are both elite scorers and there is only one ball to go around.

Chasing a ring I guess. I'd love to see him in SA but why would he come here? To play in a system that has two stars that play iso ball and a PG that doesn't pass.

[TheGoldStandard]

Would KD even fit it with the Dubs? Why would he go there? Curry and Klay are both elite scorers and there is only one ball to go around.

He's comfortable deferring the ball and taking shots when they come to him.

[RD2191]

Chasing a ring I guess. I'd love to see him in SA but why would he come here? To play in a system that has two stars that play iso ball and a PG that doesn't pass.
Because he'd be the #1 scoring option here without worrying much about defense.

[TheGoldStandard]

Chasing a ring I guess. I'd love to see him in SA but why would he come here? To play in a system that has two stars that play iso ball and a PG that doesn't pass.

:pop: You're kidding right? I ask Parker all the time to include his teammates, he always tells me "pass"

[RD2191]

He's comfortable deferring the ball and taking shots when they come to him.

Well he's a faggot then.

[SpursforSix]

Because he'd be the #1 scoring option here without worrying much about defense.

He'd be the number 1 option but still have his touches diluted 1) by Parker dribbling time and 2) Aldridge and Leonard. He'd get more scoring opportunities in GSW with their ball movement.

[SpursforSix]

:pop: You're kidding right? I ask Parker all the time to include his teammates, he always tells me "pass"

:pop: just not when the mashed potatoes go around the table.

[RD2191]

He'd be the number 1 option but still have his touches diluted 1) by Parker dribbling time and 2) Aldridge and Leonard. He'd get more scoring opportunities in GSW with their ball movement.
I don't see it with the chuck brothers.

[look_at_g_shred]

Well he's a faggot then.
:lmao

[spursmvp]

https://www.yahoo.com/news/warriors-reportedly-kevin-durants-top-183400083.html


[Durant] is expected to meet with prospective teams in Los Angeles when the free-agent recruiting period beings in July, according to a source.
The same source maintains that if Durant doesn’t re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder he would prefer to join the Warriors, a team that has reached two straight NBA Finals and could rule the Western Conference for the next five years if Durant goes to the Bay Area.

We're fucked if that happens. Might as well as cryo freeze kawhi and LMA for 5 years.

[RD2191]

https://www.yahoo.com/news/warriors-reportedly-kevin-durants-top-183400083.html



We're fucked if that happens. Might as well as cryo freeze kawhi and LMA for 5 years.

Like I said, only 1 ball to go around.

[SpursforSix]

Like I said, only 1 ball to go around.

So you have Durant out there taking shots instead of Barnes.

[NASpurs]

So you have Durant out there taking shots instead of Barnes.

Barnes averaged 9.5 shots per game. KD averaged 19.

[SpursforSix]

Barnes averaged 9.5 shots per game. KD averaged 19.

He'd obviously get more shots that Barnes had. The question is how many touches did Barnes get.

[SpursforSix]

Asked what he meant by a "basketball decision," Durant said it's not necessarily about the spotlight or the money.

[NASpurs]

He'd obviously get more shots that Barnes had. The question is how many touches did Barnes get.

GSW has Curry, Thompson and Green dominate the ball while Barnes just hid in the corners for the most part from what I noticed unless he had a mismatch.

[SpursforSix]

GSW has Curry, Thompson and Green dominate the ball while Barnes just hid in the corners for the most part from what I noticed unless he had a mismatch.

Maybe. I don't know if there is any site that keeps track of touches.

But in any event, if they had Durant, I'm pretty sure he'd get his shots. Maybe not 19. But certainly more than 10.

[Darius Bieber]

https://www.yahoo.com/news/warriors-reportedly-kevin-durants-top-183400083.html

[Kawhitstorm]

kawhiSHITstorm still with the youtube arguments :lmao

Bitch ass, you said the same thing when I pointed out Kyrie was better than Lillard. Those games happened, they aren't creations of my imagination so take your L & log off fam:

If you're going to claim WestBrick is WAY BETTER than Harden then explain to me how OKC missed the playoffs last season when Harden led a skeleton crew to the 2nd seed.....

uHjFRSeSFC4

Even fat/out-of-shape Harden tore his ass up despite Dominos being in the lineup:

cCxLQ86yRjw

[Keepin' it real]

[Durant] is expected to meet with prospective teams in Los Angeles when the free-agent recruiting period beings in July, according to a source.
The same source maintains that if Durant doesn’t re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder he would prefer to join the Warriors, a team that has reached two straight NBA Finals and could rule the Western Conference for the next five years if Durant goes to the Bay Area.


We're fucked if that happens. Might as well as cryo freeze kawhi and LMA for 5 years.

Nah, neither Curry's ankles nor KD's foot will stand the test of time.

[NameLess Scrub]

Maybe. I don't know if there is any site that keeps track of touches.

But in any event, if they had Durant, I'm pretty sure he'd get his shots. Maybe not 19. But certainly more than 10.


The fact that we're wondering about this tells us that team would be unfair talent wise..

[Kawhitstorm]

5fTlqrqNfbU

crBkxH9MWJ4

m6QC45CLRlE

spLX5mhCmyU

rfxyxWgX9QE

[SpursforSix]

The fact that we're wondering about this tells us that team would be unfair talent wise..

I think that's part of the reason that the Spurs have to go all in to try to get him.

[SpursforSix]

The fact that we're wondering about this tells us that team would be unfair talent wise..

They'd have top 5 players at four of the positions.

[K...]

Nah, neither Curry's ankles nor KD's foot will stand the test of time.

And if bogurt and Iggy are done their depth becomes thin as ours.

[r0drig0lac]

And if bogurt and Iggy are done their depth becomes thin as ours.

and would be the most talented team in the history in relation to their own era, I'm sure they could find good ring hunters by 1 or 2 years

[NameLess Scrub]

They'd have top 5 players at four of the positions.

Position wise? Or do you consider Klay & Draymond to 5 all NBA?

[SpursforSix]

Position wise? Or do you consider Klay & Draymond to 5 all NBA?

I was just speaking position wise.

[AFMadison]

https://www.google.com/amp/uproxx.com/dimemag/kevin-durant-golden-state-warriors-free-agent-rumors/amp/?client=safari#

http://nextimpulsesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/aaa15.jpg

How reliable?

[Taking it to the Hole]

I think the Spurs pursuing Durant means they obviously believe that you don't need a backcourt to win a championship anymore. Just get three iso players in the frontcourt and you are set. No need for motion offense or pick and rolls or better yet we can just rely on one player for all our defensive needs and we are championship bound.:rolleyes

[Spurs9]

Anyone spot him in HEB syrup isle yet?

[NameLess Scrub]

I was just speaking position wise.

Oh.. agreed

[.G.]

Would look good in a Spurs uni.
http://5.kicksonfire.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Nike-KD-9--640x427.jpg?642e0d

Nice choice of colors to wear for the KD9 launch in Austin.
http://www.xxlmag.com/files/2016/06/119.jpg


Probably nothing....

[SAGirl]

I think the Spurs pursuing Durant means they obviously believe that you don't need a backcourt to win a championship anymore. Just get three iso players in the frontcourt and you are set. No need for motion offense or pick and rolls or better yet we can just rely on one player for all our defensive needs and we are championship bound.:rolleyes
It doesn't make sense to me and I bet it won't for Durant either. Apparently you also don't need a bench and can roll rookies and min salary vets and be a-ok.:lol

[Ditty]

From what I remember Frank Isola isn't one to break nationwide NBA rumors compared to Stein or Wojnarowski who have some pretty damn reliable sources. He's more of a local guy like Jeff Mcdonald is for us, so I wonder who his sources unless he is just throwing crap at the wall like that one dude who just made some BS that Lebron was going back to Cleveland, and ended up being right and he's a "reliable rumor guy" now.

[look_at_g_shred]

From what I remember Frank Isola isn't one to break nationwide NBA rumors compared to Stein or Wojnarowski who have some pretty damn reliable sources. He's more of a local guy like Jeff Mcdonald is for us, so I wonder who his sources unless he is just throwing crap at the wall like that one dude who just made some BS that Lebron was going back to Cleveland, and ended up being right and he's a "reliable rumor guy" now.
what did he say?

[coachmac87]

From what I remember Frank Isola isn't one to break nationwide NBA rumors compared to Stein or Wojnarowski who have some pretty damn reliable sources. He's more of a local guy like Jeff Mcdonald is for us, so I wonder who his sources unless he is just throwing crap at the wall like that one dude who just made some BS that Lebron was going back to Cleveland, and ended up being right and he's a "reliable rumor guy" now.



He wrote a story the day before "Why the Warriors and not the Knicks is best move for Durant" I honestly don't buy this guys source. What's being reported that's new? Obviously Durant has interest in Warriors...we knew that a month ago. This "news" tells me KD ain't going to the Lakers, Knicks, Heat or Wizards...

[coachmac87]

what did he say?

Isola pretty much reporting Warriors are favorite for KD if he leaves OKC

[look_at_g_shred]

Isola pretty much reporting Warriors are favorite for KD if he leaves OKC
Sounds like hearsay

[SpursforSix]

Sounds like hearsay

Chris Broussard thinks he's going. Said Durant wants to go ahead and find a long term solution. As opposed to signing a one year deal and having to play a season with all of the focus being on what he's going to do after that year.

[coachmac87]

Chris Broussard thinks he's going. Said Durant wants to go ahead and find a long term solution. As opposed to signing a one year deal and having to play a season with all of the focus being on what he's going to do after that year.

I've been preaching this to the forum for quite sometime...

[BatManu20]

KD would be dumb to do anything other than sign with OKC on a 2-year deal with and Opt-Out Option after one year IMVHO. Make your money ($50M more) and give yourself the most flexibility.

[BatManu20]

Who would GSW have to give up to get KD though tbh?

[SpursforSix]

KD would be dumb to do anything other than sign with OKC on a 2-year deal with and Opt-Out Option after one year. Make your money ($50M more) and give yourself the most flexibility. IMVHO.

IDK. If Golden State is somewhere that he is seriously thinking about and they want him now, he'd be dumb to stay with OKC and then risk GSW finding other options and not having the space to sign him after this year.

[sasaint]

And if bogurt and Iggy are done their depth becomes thin as ours.

Considering Bogut's physical uncertainty and the free agency of Speights (UFA) and Ezeli (RFA), it seems like the Dubs would do better to shore up their bigs than acquire another perimeter scorer. As long as the NBA allows only one ball in play at a time, that is too few for Curry, Klay and KD. Plus, KD doesn't really seek the spotlight. I just don't see Durant going to the Dubs for a number of reasons.

[coachmac87]

KD would be dumb to do anything other than sign with OKC on a 2-year deal with and Opt-Out Option after one year IMVHO. Make your money ($50M more) and give yourself the most flexibility.

Not really.

Signing a +1 only makes most sense if he truly intends to stay and resigns 5yr after he opts out. But if he signs elsewhere after he opts out he can still lose out on $$.

But this FA with KD isn't about the $$$.. It's about a championship window. Spurs and Warriors have that with locked in contracts with core players...something OKC doesn't have and can't do anything about it..

Plus OKC wants KD to sign a 5yr deal NOW. That's the pitch they have to make if they want to stand a chance against Kerr and Pop and their sales pitch

[Mr. Body]

Chris Broussard thinks he's going. Said Durant wants to go ahead and find a long term solution. As opposed to signing a one year deal and having to play a season with all of the focus being on what he's going to do after that year.

If that's his thinking, SA is legitimately a big option.

[cd98]

He owns OKC, can't seem him leaving. Westbrook, yes, but Durrant, I'm less likely to believe it.

[ceperez]

hard to see KD leaving OKC after their performance this year. The other players have stepped up and he's not about to jump ship.

Unless of course if he's really desperate for a championship. GSW will practically guarantee that.

[Ice009]

hard to see KD leaving OKC after their performance this year. The other players have stepped up and he's not about to jump ship.

Unless of course if he's really desperate for a championship. GSW will practically guarantee that.

There's no certainty of long term stability in OKC though. Westbrook is up after next season and then Adams soon too. How does he know they won't both leave? San Antonio and Goldenstate are both better options if he wants longer term stability IMO from the get go.

[coachmac87]

There's no certainty of long term stability in OKC though. Westbrook is up after next season and then Adams soon too. How does he know they won't both leave? San Antonio and Goldenstate are both better options if he wants longer term stability IMO from the get go.

Exactly. Adams I believe is restricted after this season...

How does OKC even pitch it to KD on their future? Especially when you have Warriors and Spurs possibly getting meetings? They can't compete with that lol

[TheDoctor]

I think the Spurs pursuing Durant means they obviously believe that you don't need a backcourt to win a championship anymore. Just get three iso players in the frontcourt and you are set. No need for motion offense or pick and rolls or better yet we can just rely on one player for all our defensive needs and we are championship bound.:rolleyes

If the Spurs sign KD, Kawhi most probably is playing the 2. So backcourt.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Durant would be silly to pass up the opportunity to come here. We would easily be title favorites and he could be the #1 option on our team. He wouldnt be the #1 option on GS.

[montgod]

Durant would be silly to pass up the opportunity to come here. We would easily be title favorites and he could be the #1 option on our team. He wouldnt be the #1 option on GS.

Question is if he really wants just that. He is pretty much number #1 now in OKC with a nice supporting cast, albeit one that still needs some maturing, and a great coach. Its hard to gauge what he really wants and without knowing that, I think he returns to OKC for at least one more year and OKC tries there best to get a few more pieces to build on this year's title run.

I never saw GS as a viable option with players like Curry and Klay there. Durant would be fighting more than he did in OKC with Westbrook to get the rock. Not to mention, it would seem like it wouldn't be his team with those 3 (adding Draymond) there.

It will be interesting to see what the Spurs do before free agency to show if they truly believe KD is available this year. Meaning, if they do a big trade and bring an asset like Chandler w/a ridiculous contract, I don't think they believe KD is really available and won't wait for him like they did LMA.

[r0drig0lac]

Durant would be silly to pass up the opportunity to come here. We would easily be title favorites and he could be the #1 option on our team. He wouldnt be the #1 option on GS.

it is still debatable, but Golden State with Durant instead of Barnes would be absolute favorite

[gambit1990]

to get kd you lose parker, not green.

could you imagine a lineup with parker/kawhi/durant/lma? there's only one basketball.

[keeferob25]

to get kd you lose parker, not green.

could you imagine a lineup with parker/kawhi/durant/lma? there's only one basketball.

Yeah, its tough. That wouldn't be a problem if Parker would/could TRULY change his role. I mean I imagine one wouldn't be too concerned if we put Manu with that group?

[Russ]

Wow, ESPN has the Spurs' odds of getting KD even behind the Knicks. (Spurs 20-1, Knicks 14-1.)

I don't see the Spurs getting KD, but a mess like the Knicks? :wow

Full odds (by "Bovada"):

OKC 1-5; GS 3-1; NYK 14-1; Bos. 14-1; Mia. 20-1; SA 20-1.

[TheGoldStandard]

Wow, ESPN has the Spurs' odds of getting KD even behind the Knicks. (Spurs 20-1, Knicks 14-1.)

I don't see the Spurs getting KD, but the Knicks? :wow

It just doesn't make sense that's why.. If guys walk away yes.. nut presently constructed this team has been constructed by filling holes rather than addressing issues. They've just started this season to do something they should have started 2 years ago.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Wow, ESPN has the Spurs' odds of getting KD even behind the Knicks. (Spurs 20-1, Knicks 14-1.)

I don't see the Spurs getting KD, but a mess like the Knicks? :wow

Full odds (by "Bovada"):

OKC 1-5; GS 3-1; NYK 14-1; Bos. 14-1; Mia. 20-1; SA 20-1.

:lol What horseshit. What on Earth are they basing the odds on? I seriously doubt Durant is keeping BSPN in the loop.

[TheGreatYacht]

:lol Celtics
:lol coulda had Butler but drafted bums

:lol Knicks
:lol 18M/year for Noah
:lol buncha has beens

:lol Heat
:lol Pat Riley credited for bringing Lebron even though it was Wade, Lebron's bestfriend
:lol Paying max money to a guy on life support

No way we're behind those teams. We're probably right there with Golden State bc Durant is a smart dude, he knows his legacy will get shitted on for leaving to a team that just ran his fade..

[look_at_g_shred]

:lol What horseshit. What on Earth are they basing the odds on? I seriously doubt Durant is keeping BSPN in the loop.
TICKET SALES

[Keepin' it real]

What horseshit. What on Earth are they basing the odds on? I seriously doubt Durant is keeping BSPN in the loop.

Never underestimate the power of wishful thinking.