The OKC Thunder are hoping to keep Kevin Durant as a free agent in 2016, but teams like the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Warriors could try and give Oklahoma City a run for its money and this comes as Dez Wells has signed a deal for a training camp invite and could compete for a roster spot.
The Thunder are hopeful that Durant will stay, as OKC can offer Durant the most lucrative contract of any team on the market. According to Ken Berger at CBS Sports, a poll of execs at the summer league found that many expect Durant to stay in Oklahoma City. The team has built a winner and while the team did not make the playoffs last season, a big part of that had to do with Durant being injured. The salary cap is expected to go up and the Thunder made a big move by keeping Enes Kanter by matching his offer from the Blazers.
Berger writes that if Durant does consider leaving, there are a handful of teams that think they have a "legitimate" chance at getting him. Berger writes that the Wizards are in good position with the contracts they have in the future, while the Mavericks, Knicks, Lakers, Warriors and Celtics could realistically make a move for Durant. The Celtics may have up to $40 million in cap space next summer, while the Knicks also could clear space. But most see Durant's choice as either the Thunder or Wizards.
Durant will be the biggest name in free agency since LeBron James and teams will be trying to set themselves up to at least make a run. The Wizards feel they have a chance because of the home town connection and they have been making deals to keep the cap in check. The team has Bradley Beal coming up on a new deal and how that gets done could affect how the team deals with a potential Durant situation.
The Thunder have added Dez Wells on a contract and the team now could give Wells the chance to make the roster in camp. According to CSN Washington, Wells signed with the Thunder for a camp invite over the Wizards and other teams. The Thunder have a full roster, so to keep Wells into the season the team will have to make a move and that means a D-League assignment is likely.
Last season Durant ended up playing in just 27 games and he averaged 25 points and 6.6 rebounds in those contests. Durant dealt with a foot issue and he had surgery and now he is looking to have a healthy season this year. Russell Westbrook and the window in OKC could be closing and this is a big year for the team and for Durant as well.
Check here for more on Durant's and his free agent options and more on Wells.