With 2015 NBA free agency wrapping up, all eyes begin to shift to next year when Kevin Durant hits the market. Rumors are already beginning to fly as several teams structured their free agency contracts this year with the idea of getting the former NBA MVP next year. Durant has remained extremely tight lipped over what he intends to do as he prepares for a new contract, so all of this is mere speculation from teams hoping he plans on departing Oklahoma City in the summer.
The Washington Wizards have already made it clear they intend to bring Durant "home" next season, but who else is looking to enter the race? Place the Dallas Mavericks on that list. According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Mavericks believe that after getting DeAndre Jordan, they stand a great chance at getting Durant next season. Dallas is hoping that type of move made them a desirable landing spot for other players including Durant who is next offseason's biggest prize.
The Mavericks have a case to get Durant, but potentially not the salary cap space. The team can sell him on a frontcourt of Jordan and Dirk Nowitzki while Chandler Parsons and Wesley Matthews will help the scoring attack in a lineup similar to Golden State. Durant did play his college basketball of one year at Texas and could favor that as a landing spot in free agency.
The Warriors are also considering dipping a toe or two in the Durant pool next offseason. Accordimg to Tim Kawakami of the San Mercury News, the Warriors could be eyeing Durant in a sign-and-trade next offseason. Any deal for Durant would likely have to involve Klay Thompson and splitting up the Splash Brothers. Is Durant an upgrade over Thompson for Stephen Curry. Two NBA MVPs on one team certainly seems unfair, but the trade would make sense considering the Thunder would getting great talent in return.
Where Durant goes is anyone's guess. The Thunder certainly should not be ruled out considering they can offer the most money and more years on the contract for Durant and there is loyalty there with the two sides. That does not mean other teams will not be aiming to try and pry him out of their hands. The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are all expected to be players for Durant in the coming year.
