Report: Durant won't consider Houston in free agency

[jpotter33]

http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/06/10/report-kevin-durant-wont-consider-rockets-in-free-agency/

https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/741147702755483648

This might not seem like much of a story due to the Rockets' past year of controversy, but I think there are larger implications here that are good for the C's pursuit of Durant:

1) Playing with friends isn't necessarily important for Durant. Harden and Durant are supposedly just as good as friends as Durant and Westbrook, so this bodes well that he won't stay in OKC just because he's friends with Westbrook.

2) Organizational stability is important to him. I'm guessing that a major reason he isn't interested in Houston is due to the instability that the organization has showed in the last year due to several coaching and philosophy changes.

3) Player personnel matters. Durant is a smart guy, and though he'd excel in a D'Antoni offense, he knows that the players in Houston don't necessarily fit his style. Harden is the most ball-dominant guard in the league, and combined with their lackluster defense, it's far from an ideal supporting cast to surround Durant with.

I think all of these things are positive signs for the C's pursuit of Durant, because when it comes to fit, stability, flexibility, and path to contention, it's hard to argue that the C's aren't a top-2 team with regard to all of these conditions.

It also shows that Durant's main focus in choosing a team truly is the best basketball fit and best chance to win both now and in the future. He doesn't seem worried about playing with friends, playing in the biggest market, or making the most money. He just wants to win (while also protecting his legacy as a top-3 player in the league - sorry Golden State).

EDIT: Also, does this not sound like a true Celtics player, too? He doesn't care about the market size or playing with friends - he just wants to win. I think he'd be an absolute perfect fit in Boston, and he'd become a legend in Boston for years to come.

[Rondo9]

I almost thought he wouldn't consider the Celtics. 

[PhoSita]

No kidding.  If Durant is going to leave OKC, he will head East. 

[jpotter33]

No kidding.  If Durant is going to leave OKC, he will head East.

I feel the same way, though I do legitimately worry about San Antonio if they can create enough space, especially after the signing of LMA last year. Ultimately, though, I think they'll give up on the KD chase soon this summer and go after the more "sure" thing in Conley.

[Grindfather]

[Csfan1984]

The Parson screw up is probably the biggest reason. The management is very hit or miss.

Current team list I think are
Thunder- Westbrook, Ibaka, Adams. C+ coach
Warriors- Curry, Thompson, Green. B coach
Cavs- Irving, LeBron, ____ . C- coach
Spurs- Leonard, Aldrige, Duncan. A+ coach
Heat- Wade, Dragic, Whiteside. B- coach
Celtics- Guard trio, Crowder. B coach
Pelicans- Davis, Holiday, Evans. C coach
Wizards- Wall, Beal, Gortat. C coach.

Lakers could possibly set themselves up if they move Russell and Ingram for a star. Then promise to bring in Westbrook next year. KD can sign a one year with OKC wait to jump ship with Westbrook next year too as an option.

[footey]

It's too bad free agency does not occur before the draft. I personally would not trade our top picks unless I knew Durant would come here, and that is just not going to happen.

[jpotter33]

It's too bad free agency does not occur before the draft. I personally would not trade our top picks unless I knew Durant would come here, and that is just not going to happen.

Yeah, I've seen others lamenting about this very issue, too. Isn't that how it is in the NFL?

[nebist]

Kerr is a B coach?

[mef730]

Lousy crab legs in Houston.

Mike

[fairweatherfan]

1 down, 28 to go!