Many Teams Now In Pursuit Of Free-Agent-To-Be Kevin Durant

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

After losing to the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder face a tough offseason with superstar Kevin Durant set to become an unrestricted free agent in July.

Following an impressive playoff run, the prospect of Durant staying in Oklahoma City seems to have improved considerably. Durant saw the true potential of his current team while sharing the spotlight with fellow superstar Russell Westbrook.

Although the Thunder are the favorite to land Durant this summer, the veteran forward will have many suitors this summer. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, every big market team and squad looking for a superstar upgrade will be reaching out to the free-agent-to-be in July:

Wizards, Heat, Celtics, Rockets, Knicks, Lakers, Spurs and, yes, Warriors … all expected to pursue Kevin Durant in free agency this summer

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 31, 2016

Over the course of the 2015-16 NBA season, the Warriors emerged as a potential suitor for Durant in free agency. Golden State, even with three All-Stars and an incredibly talented roster, will have the cap space to bring in Durant this summer making a potential super team that could be the most dominant force in the NBA for many years to come.

Even though the Warriors will be an intriguing choice and the San Antonio Spurs may be an appealing destination, all signs point to Durant remaining with the Thunder long-term. Perhaps the most likely scenario is Durant signing a two-year deal with Oklahoma City with an opt-out in his second year.

If Durant chooses to go that route and opts out next year, Westbrook will become an unrestricted free agent at the same time. Oklahoma City could stand to lose both Westbrook and Durant at the same time if the Thunder can’t get over the hump next season.