Thunder, Lakers Top Odds To Land Kevin Durant In NBA Free Agency
The 2015-16 NBA season is only about a quarter of the way through with teams around the league playing 20 games or more. Although there’s still a lot of basketball left to be played this season, speculation continues to run rampant about the immediate future of one of the league’s best players.
One-time NBA MVP Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder will become an unrestricted free agent next July. Durant may ultimately re-sign with the Thunder, but many seem to believe there’s a good chance he could take his talents elsewhere in NBA free agency.
According to odds on Sportsbook.ag, quite a few teams could be in the running once Durant officially hits the free agent market in seven months time. Oklahoma City is favored to retain Durant’s services, but the Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards aren’t far behind.
Kevin Durant – Where will he Play the 1st Game of 2016/2017 NBA Season
Oklahoma City Thunder – 1/3
Los Angeles Lakers – 4/1
Washington Wizards – 5/1
Miami Heat – 10/1
Chicago Bulls – 15/1
New York Knicks – 20/1
Houston Rockets – 25/1
Los Angeles Clippers – 25/1
Dallas Mavericks – 50/1
Toronto Raptors – 50/1
Boston Celtics – 75/1
Phoenix Suns – 85/1
Atlanta Hawks – 100/1
Brooklyn Nets – 100/1
At this point, Durant hasn’t made any promises to the Thunder franchise nor has he made any indication that he’d leave Oklahoma City next summer. Although Durant has remained silent about free-agent intentions, the rumors have been circulating about the Lakers potentially being his next team.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith caused quite a stir recently by claiming that he’s heard Durant will focus on landing in Los Angeles if he doesn’t return to Oklahoma City. The Lakers, as per usual, are always mentioned in trade and free agency rumors every single year. The franchise hasn’t had much success in lure big names over the past few years, but with Kobe Bryant no longer a distraction, Durant can come in and be the star right away in the city of Los Angeles.
The rumors will continue to heat up once the NBA trade deadline approaches. If the Thunder aren’t confident Durant will return, they may explore some blockbuster trade scenarios before the deadline on Feb. 18 with the Lakers having some talented young player Oklahoma City might be interested in.
