Written by Alex Butler at UPI.com
As the minute hand ticks past 11:59 p.m. tonight and NBA free agency begins, expect a bit less drama than anticipated.
According to ESPN’s Marc Spears, the most coveted free agent has mostly made his decision on destination.
Spears reported Thursday that Kevin Durant’s decision is 90 percent made.
“His decision is 90 percent made. It would take an amazing sales pitch to change it,” one of Durant’s longtime friends told Spears.
Those teams include the likes of the San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, and Boston Celtics.
“Don’t stress too hard, Thunder fans,” Spears wrote. “Yes, Durant, 27, is the star of this year’s NBA free agency reality show. But barring an incredible sales job, several friends and business colleagues close to the 2014 NBA MVP expect him to return to Oklahoma City for at least another year.”
Durant could bank as much as $40.7 million annually with the Thunder, more than he could pocket anywhere else. Durant and the Thunder narrowly made it to the NBA Finals last season, beating the Spurs before losing a 3-1 series lead to the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals.
The Thunder, the first team to meet with Durant, are now expected to score a meeting with him at the end of his tour as well.
In an effort to appease its superstar, the Thunder traded Serge Ibaka last week and brought in guard Victor Oladipo. The Thunder is also rumored to be going after Atlanta Hawks free agent Al Horford. Durant is expected to cash in on a big one-year deal and be a free agent, along with teammate Russell Westbrook, in 2017.
Durant told the Oklahoman that he approved of the trade for Oladipo and even called him a “good buddy.”
“It’s a good move,” Durant told the Oklahoman. “I like Oladipo. He’s a good buddy, a friend of mine, and I’m definitely going to miss playing with Serge. He contributed so much to our organization and to the city, and he’s a pioneer for what he’s done for us and it’s always going to be remembered in OKC what he’s done for the community and his hard work on the court, so we wish him the best.”
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