The more I hear, the more I'm convinced we'll do nothing unless a no-brainer option falls in our lap. Ainge wants that double-max cap space so he can go after Durant + Horford this summer.
Sure, we'll maybe take someone like Gallinari if we give up nothing to get him, but it's best to maintain our flexibility for this Summer.
Don't get your hopes up for KD.
You're looking at a potential Sign and Trade of Harrison Barnes if he pulls a harden and isn't willing to leave $ on the table to stay in GS.
Why is everyone so sure that KD won't sign with Boston? I mean has come out and said so?
Nobody really knows it, but I think it's just seen as unlikely. If Durant wants to win more than anything, then there are theoretically better places to be than here. Golden State being one prime example.
But who knows - maybe he wants to go somewhere and be the center of the team, rather than be Steph Curry's sidekick. After all, nobody on this earth predicted Monroe signing in Milwaukee (that didn't go so well lol).
Boston seems like a strong candidate for Durant IMO. We are already in the running for #3 seed in the East , with Cle being the only team on another level .
If you can sign Durant , you still have all your brk picks and young talent as trade assets to add around him .
A #3 seed with a bunch of assets to add more elite talent seems like a pretty good spot to be in .
We are in a good spot no doubt, but we're actually a #4 seed right now, not #3 (albeit tied with Atlanta) and there are only 2 1/2 games separating the 8th seed from the 3rd in the East - with things being this competitive, we could are almost as likely to finish the season as an 8th seed as we are to finish as a 3rd seed.
On the other hand, the Thunder are #3 in the West (in fact, #3 in the entire league) with a full 5 games separating them from the Clippers for the 4th seed and a superstar teammate in Westbrook.
Right now it seems to make little sense for Durant to leave OKC for greener pastures (pun intended) in Boston. Certainly not out of the question if he wants a change in scenery, but if I were in his shoes I probably Boston wouldn't be the first place that would spring to mind.
But as others have said, just because it's not likely doesn't mean you don't give it your best shot. If you are Danny, you definitely have to at least try to put your best offer forward any time there is a top 5 player on the free agent market.
If we were to add Dwight Howard via a trade this season, then I think the chance of that happening becomes much higher...though still we'd still probably be no more than a 3rd option (after Golden State and OKC) for KD I would think.
Personally, I think he'll stay in OKC. He's been there his whole life, the city has supported him, and even though they haven't won a title they have been extremely competitive in his time there. OKC probably sees themselves as having a legit outside chance of upsetting the Warriors in the playoffs, and to be honest they are probably one of only three teams (Cavs, Spurs being the others) who do have a chance of that.
Also I just get the impression that KD is a pretty loyal guy, and he doesn't seem like one to 'rock the boat'.