The Kevin Durant free agency talk will not stop this season no matter what the former MVP says about his future. While no one knows what Durant is thinking in regards to his future with the Oklahoma City Thunder, speculation is running wild and will continue until the star has signed a new contract. Until then, teams are preparing their free agency speech and the Houston Rockets plan to be in the mix come next summer.
According to Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle, the Rockets plan to be in the mix when it comes to Durant as the team struggles at the start of the season. Smith writes that the Rockets are losing confidence in their current roster to compete in the competitive Western Conference and if the losses keep piling up, they will begin to gear things towards Durant. Houston believes they stand a chance at Durant considering the Thunder stars played one year of college basketball in the start of Texas. Durant is also good friends with James Harden which might be the best thing Houston has going for them if they intend to really make this happen.
Is it too soon to begin prepping for Durant? Yes. Will the Rockets improve after a sluggish start? The talent on their roster says yes. So, it is too soon to assume the Rockets are panicked and are already planning their next free agency run. As of right now the Rockets do not have the salary cap space to sign Durant. With Dwight Howard becoming a free agent as well, the Rockets could be in a very tight spot if they really do intend to chase Durant.
Houston has the ability to clear a lot of salary cap space. The team would first have to waive Ty Lawson before his salary becomes fully guaranteed and then seek out trade deals for players like Trevor Ariza, Corey Brewer and KJ McDaniels. While the team has the means to make it work, a lot of things have to fall into place if the Rockets are really going to get Durant next summer.
Durant has no plans on discussing his free agency thoughts this season. Already the Wizards are being said to have a legitimate chance at getting the star. Ian Begley of ESPN New York believes the Knicks will chase Durant. The Los Angeles Lakers would love to replace Kobe Bryant with Durant. For his own part, Durant is making it clear he is only thinking about the Thunder and the short-term road ahead.
"I just try to go about every day, just focus on one day," Durant said, via ESPN.com. "I don't think about the future too hard. I'll worry about that stuff when I get there. I've been saying 'I don't know' for a long, long time, but I'm really just focused on our team, happy I'm playing again, and that kind of takes over. I haven't thought about that. I'll worry about that when I get there."