In 2016, Kevin Durant will be a free agent. His contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder will expire meaning the reigning NBA MVP can sign with any team in the league. While that is still a year away, the rumors about where he could go start now. Keep in mind, Durant has said nothing in regards to his upcoming free agency status, remaining committed to Oklahoma City, but many are beginning to speculate whether the success of Russell Westbrook this season could lead to a trade of Durant.
Right now, Westbrook has the Thunder winning games while Durant sits out with a foot injury. The point guard is putting together an MVP season while he has registered five triple-doubles in his last six games. He is keeping the team afloat and proving that he can put a franchise on his back. The Thunder fans are thrilled. However, does that success mean Durant is more inclined to leave Oklahoma City or be traded?
ESPN analyst Tom Penn brings up the point guard Westbrook could be hurting Durant's future in Oklahoma City. It is assumed that Durant will not commit early to the Thunder by agreeing to an early contract deal. It is against NBA rules. He will not get the same deal if he signs early than if he waits till free agency. General manager Sam Presti will want that early commitment from Durant. If he does not get it, does he trade Durant? Presti showed he is not afraid to move players who are unwilling to commit. He made that clear when he traded James Harden to avoid luxury tax problems. Durant is a different case, but could end up getting the same treatment.
All of this is mere speculation. No one knows what Durant is going to do in the coming year, but the noise surrounding his possible moves will be extremely loud. To keep things in perspective when it comes to the success of Westbrook, the Thunder are just 3-3 in the last six games. It is clear that he is capable of plenty, but not enough to get consistent wins. Just because Westbrook has been thrilling as of late, does not mean Durant is suddenly expendable.
However, if available, the Los Angeles Lakers will be ready and waiting. Speaking to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, Kobe Bryant made it clear that while he does want talent around him for the upcoming season, he does not want to compromise the future. Getting Durant would certainly help the short-term and long-term outlook. The Lakers are planning on going after a max-contract guy this offseason which could include Marc Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge or Rajon Rondo. Would those plans change if Durant was suddenly available?
"It's a balance of both," Bryant said. "You always want to set the franchise up for the long term. Mitch and I are on the same page. What he said in the interview is not something that we haven't talked about before. It's nothing different. You don't want to compromise the future of the franchise for one season. You try to balance that."
