The Kevin Durant To Washington Thread (Part 1)

[fishercob]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWeqLOSdNWY[/youtube]

All the speculation and angling and supposed hints etc are going to make Durant staying in OKC the ultimate #SoWizards moment.

[TheSecretWeapon]

Odds are that Durant will choose to remain in OKC regardless of what happens next season. It's a good organization with a good roster, and the Thunder OWN Oklahoma City. It's that city's one pro franchise. When I was there, EVERYONE was a fan. Even the old ladies working in the hotel restaurant knew the team, its roster, its front office, its coaching staff. They sell out every game. Durant is a god in OKC. Maybe he gets to that status coming home to DC, maybe not. But, he's revered there. And he'll make all the money he'll ever want whether he stays or goes. Plus, not everyone who "comes home" to play professionally ends up enjoying the experience. Often, there are a lot of people asking for stuff, and it's tough to say "no" all the time.

I'm not saying it's impossible, of course. I think there's a chance. But, my feeling is that Durant likes his situation in Oklahoma City and will choose to stay there.

Yeah, unless something bad happens - I don't seem him leaving either. I would say a 1 in 5 shot.

My wild ass guesstimation is 1-in-20. There's a chance, though.

[fishercob]

Odds are that Durant will choose to remain in OKC regardless of what happens next season. It's a good organization with a good roster, and the Thunder OWN Oklahoma City. It's that city's one pro franchise. When I was there, EVERYONE was a fan. Even the old ladies working in the hotel restaurant knew the team, its roster, its front office, its coaching staff. They sell out every game. Durant is a god in OKC. Maybe he gets to that status coming home to DC, maybe not. But, he's revered there. And he'll make all the money he'll ever want whether he stays or goes. Plus, not everyone who "comes home" to play professionally ends up enjoying the experience. Often, there are a lot of people asking for stuff, and it's tough to say "no" all the time.

I'm not saying it's impossible, of course. I think there's a chance. But, my feeling is that Durant likes his situation in Oklahoma City and will choose to stay there.

I don't buy OKC being a one ring circus as reason KD would want to stay there. He'd be no less of a deity here than there, and DC (aside from his ties to it) obviously has much more to offer as a city.

Do you think he;d be any more apt to leave if the Thunder franchise were still the Sonics, but had the same roster, ownership, staff etc? "Man, I like it here, but the Seahawks and Mariners get too much attention; I'm signing with Sacramento."

[dckingsfan]

Odds are that Durant will choose to remain in OKC regardless of what happens next season. It's a good organization with a good roster, and the Thunder OWN Oklahoma City. It's that city's one pro franchise. When I was there, EVERYONE was a fan. Even the old ladies working in the hotel restaurant knew the team, its roster, its front office, its coaching staff. They sell out every game. Durant is a god in OKC. Maybe he gets to that status coming home to DC, maybe not. But, he's revered there. And he'll make all the money he'll ever want whether he stays or goes. Plus, not everyone who "comes home" to play professionally ends up enjoying the experience. Often, there are a lot of people asking for stuff, and it's tough to say "no" all the time.

I'm not saying it's impossible, of course. I think there's a chance. But, my feeling is that Durant likes his situation in Oklahoma City and will choose to stay there.

I don't buy OKC being a one ring circus as reason KD would want to stay there. He'd be no less of a deity here than there, and DC (aside from his ties to it) obviously has much more to offer as a city.

Do you think he;d be any more apt to leave if the Thunder franchise were still the Sonics, but had the same roster, ownership, staff etc? "Man, I like it here, but the Seahawks and Mariners get too much attention; I'm signing with Sacramento."

Actually, being from Sacramento, I buy into the argument. Chris Webber eventually loved the adulation in the single sport town of Sacramento (as did Mitch Richmond). And the point is he is already deeply idolized in OKC - leaving would be tough. Leaving money on the table would be tough. Leaving his teammates would be tough.

It's possible - I think the point is it isn't probable.

[TheSecretWeapon]

Odds are that Durant will choose to remain in OKC regardless of what happens next season. It's a good organization with a good roster, and the Thunder OWN Oklahoma City. It's that city's one pro franchise. When I was there, EVERYONE was a fan. Even the old ladies working in the hotel restaurant knew the team, its roster, its front office, its coaching staff. They sell out every game. Durant is a god in OKC. Maybe he gets to that status coming home to DC, maybe not. But, he's revered there. And he'll make all the money he'll ever want whether he stays or goes. Plus, not everyone who "comes home" to play professionally ends up enjoying the experience. Often, there are a lot of people asking for stuff, and it's tough to say "no" all the time.

I'm not saying it's impossible, of course. I think there's a chance. But, my feeling is that Durant likes his situation in Oklahoma City and will choose to stay there.

I don't buy OKC being a one ring circus as reason KD would want to stay there. He'd be no less of a deity here than there, and DC (aside from his ties to it) obviously has much more to offer as a city.

Do you think he;d be any more apt to leave if the Thunder franchise were still the Sonics, but had the same roster, ownership, staff etc? "Man, I like it here, but the Seahawks and Mariners get too much attention; I'm signing with Sacramento."

A) Not what I'm saying. My guess is that if he was enjoying playing ball in Seattle, he'd stay.

B) It doesn't matter what he'd do if the franchise was still in Seattle since it's not. What matters is what happens in OKC. And my feeling is that OKC should be considered a very strong favorite to keep him.

Obviously, I hope he comes to the Wizards. But I think he'll stay with the Thunder.

[dckingsfan]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWeqLOSdNWY[/youtube]

All the speculation and angling and supposed hints etc are going to make Durant staying in OKC the ultimate #SoWizards moment.

We ARE going to change the jerseys from red, white and blue to RED, RED, RED, with little highlights of white and blue. Somebody mock up that jersey!

[dckingsfan]

Obviously, I hope he comes to the Wizards.

You and me both brother - I still hope Ted goes all out - throws a party, changes the color of the jersey, has the president drop by during the recruitment effort... might as well go down with all guns blazing.

[payitforward]

Odds are that Durant will choose to remain in OKC regardless of what happens next season. It's a good organization with a good roster, and the Thunder OWN Oklahoma City. It's that city's one pro franchise. When I was there, EVERYONE was a fan. Even the old ladies working in the hotel restaurant knew the team, its roster, its front office, its coaching staff. They sell out every game. Durant is a god in OKC. Maybe he gets to that status coming home to DC, maybe not. But, he's revered there. And he'll make all the money he'll ever want whether he stays or goes. Plus, not everyone who "comes home" to play professionally ends up enjoying the experience. Often, there are a lot of people asking for stuff, and it's tough to say "no" all the time.

I'm not saying it's impossible, of course. I think there's a chance. But, my feeling is that Durant likes his situation in Oklahoma City and will choose to stay there.

Yeah, unless something bad happens - I don't seem him leaving either. I would say a 1 in 5 shot.

My wild ass guesstimation is 1-in-20. There's a chance, though.

If you mean a 1 in 20 chance he leaves OKC, that makes the odds he's here next year well below 1 in 100. Negligible in other words.

That almost makes me think he's wired to come here! Surely, even Ernie understands you don't structure your roster and salaries around a 1% possibility of something terrific happening.

But I agree -- I don't see anything at all to make it likely he leaves.

[CntOutSmrtCrazy]

Odds are that Durant will choose to remain in OKC regardless of what happens next season. It's a good organization with a good roster, and the Thunder OWN Oklahoma City. It's that city's one pro franchise. When I was there, EVERYONE was a fan. Even the old ladies working in the hotel restaurant knew the team, its roster, its front office, its coaching staff. They sell out every game. Durant is a god in OKC. Maybe he gets to that status coming home to DC, maybe not. But, he's revered there. And he'll make all the money he'll ever want whether he stays or goes. Plus, not everyone who "comes home" to play professionally ends up enjoying the experience. Often, there are a lot of people asking for stuff, and it's tough to say "no" all the time.

I'm not saying it's impossible, of course. I think there's a chance. But, my feeling is that Durant likes his situation in Oklahoma City and will choose to stay there.

I don't buy OKC being a one ring circus as reason KD would want to stay there. He'd be no less of a deity here than there, and DC (aside from his ties to it) obviously has much more to offer as a city.

Do you think he;d be any more apt to leave if the Thunder franchise were still the Sonics, but had the same roster, ownership, staff etc? "Man, I like it here, but the Seahawks and Mariners get too much attention; I'm signing with Sacramento."

I don't buy this logic simply based on the fact at how much press and attention the team would get if we landed Durant. The cities excitement would be palpable just based off the very fact the it would make us an automatic contender.

[FAH1223]

When he re-signs for 1 year plus a player option with OKC, what's plan B?

This GM never drafts well. The FAs available for the PF spot will probably stay on their teams.

Can't trust Grunfeld to pick up the peices once Durant decides to stay

[verbal8]

I think Al Horford is a legit plan B. However he doesn't have any special DC connection.

I think there is also a chance that DMC ends up available via trade. It is a tough choice if it is in season, but I think going for it makes sense.

[Ruzious]

I think Al Horford is a legit plan B. However he doesn't have any special DC connection.

I think there is also a chance that DMC ends up available via trade. It is a tough choice if it is in season, but I think going for it makes sense.

The best connection I could find was that Horford's dad, Tito, played the last 3 games of his NBA career for the Bullets.

Speaking of which, the Bullets drafted Kevin Love's dad, Stan, in the first round. Hmm.

[FAH1223]

I hope KD is merciful and rejects us in the first couple days of free agency so we can still make a splash.

[Wizardspride]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/FirstTake/status/620978449889542144[/tweet]

[Higga]

Durant is loyal to OKC and I think it's about 90% chance he stays there. But I do think the ONLY team he'll consider leaving them for is us.

If we don't win the title next year, then I think its best we root for Cleveland and Lebron. When Durant sees all the love Lebron gets from his hometown for delivering them a title, its going to make him want to come here and do the same. Durant may love OKC but he LOVES the District. This is his home. He definitely thinks about the Godhood he could reach winning a title here.

[jmrosenth]

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/the-enes-kanter-contract-and-okcs-gamble-in-the-year-of-kd/

[Rafael122]

Durant is loyal to OKC and I think it's about 90% chance he stays there. But I do think the ONLY team he'll consider leaving them for is us.

If we don't win the title next year, then I think its best we root for Cleveland and Lebron. When Durant sees all the love Lebron gets from his hometown for delivering them a title, its going to make him want to come here and do the same. Durant may love OKC but he LOVES the District. This is his home. He definitely thinks about the Godhood he could reach winning a title here.

I mean he already sees the effect Lebron has on Cleveland, and look at Aldridge going back to Texas. I just think the combination of going back home, a team that is probably a superstar of his caliber away from a dynasty would be a lot to overcome. Plus an easier road to the Finals.

I do disagree with TSW in the sense about having too many people to say no to. Stuff like this can be taken care of by Ted or whoever runs that department. If your mom needs floor seats, your mom is going to get floor seats. If your entourage wants a suite, your entourage will get a suite. I don't know if he has an entourage, I know Wall has a group of 4 or 5 that he rolls around with, Beal has his brothers, but thinking about it, I've never actually seen Durant walk around with a crew.

[Ruzious]

And Plan C might be the 31 year old forward on the Knicks - if he and Uncle Phil don't work things out.

[Higga]

Durant is loyal to OKC and I think it's about 90% chance he stays there. But I do think the ONLY team he'll consider leaving them for is us.

If we don't win the title next year, then I think its best we root for Cleveland and Lebron. When Durant sees all the love Lebron gets from his hometown for delivering them a title, its going to make him want to come here and do the same. Durant may love OKC but he LOVES the District. This is his home. He definitely thinks about the Godhood he could reach winning a title here.

I mean he already sees the effect Lebron has on Cleveland, and look at Aldridge going back to Texas. I just think the combination of going back home, a team that is probably a superstar of his caliber away from a dynasty would be a lot to overcome. Plus an easier road to the Finals.

I do disagree with TSW in the sense about having too many people to say no to. Stuff like this can be taken care of by Ted or whoever runs that department. If your mom needs floor seats, your mom is going to get floor seats. If your entourage wants a suite, your entourage will get a suite. I don't know if he has an entourage, I know Wall has a group of 4 or 5 that he rolls around with, Beal has his brothers, but thinking about it, I've never actually seen Durant walk around with a crew.

I don't think Durant would be negatively affected by the hometown people bothering him factor. He seems like he's got a good head on his shoulders. And worst comes to worst, Ted(or someone Ted hires)will take care of anything Durant and his entourage need.

[TheSecretWeapon]

I do disagree with TSW in the sense about having too many people to say no to. Stuff like this can be taken care of by Ted or whoever runs that department. If your mom needs floor seats, your mom is going to get floor seats. If your entourage wants a suite, your entourage will get a suite. I don't know if he has an entourage, I know Wall has a group of 4 or 5 that he rolls around with, Beal has his brothers, but thinking about it, I've never actually seen Durant walk around with a crew.

That's a nice thought, but I'm basing my thought on stuff that's been told to me by players who were with teams from (or near) their home towns. They thought it would be really great playing in front of friends and family, but they say the number of requests they get for tickets, access, money, small favors, etc. was both amazing to them and significantly higher than when they were in other areas. It's not really a matter of "crew," but of friends, family members, and friends of family members making "small" requests. Get enough of them, and it can get overwhelming.

It might not be an issue for Durant. Maybe he can direct those requests to someone else -- mom, siblings, agent, etc. Odds are that it's something he'll at least think about because it's something players discuss.

Wall and Beal aren't examples of what I'm talking about, by the way -- Wall is from Raleigh; Beal from St. Louis. Neither guy is playing in his hometown.