Kevin Durant: "Rising Cap 'Makes Everything Wide Open' On Decision"

[rondohondo]

Because of the increase in the NBA salary cap, there will be more teams capable of offering a max contract to free agents this offseason.

Kevin Durant admitted that the spike “makes everything just wide open at this point” in terms of his free agency options.

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly considered the favorites for Durant if he decides to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The cap will go from $70 million to approximately $92 million in time for the 2016 offseason.

“I like the fact that our game is growing,” Durant said when asked about the issue. “That’s my whole thing, just to grow the game of basketball and leave my mark on it. …You could just look it as a positive thing, that our game is growing and you can be able to do whatever you want as an owner, a (general manager) as a player, and ultimately that’s what you want: to make a decision on your own and to make a decision that makes you happy. That makes everything just wide open at this point.”

Durant said he's not looking forward to the extra attention that will come with his free agency decision.

“I’m really not a guy for all the attention, and I know the attention is on me and the spotlight is on me as far as what’s going to happen and what the future holds,” he said. “But I put myself in a position where I worked as hard as I can (and) people respect my game and really that’s what matters to me. My teammates, my peers, the fans of the game (who) respect how I play, and all that stuff comes with it, so I just try to look at it that way.

“I knew it was coming, you know? I wouldn’t be who I was if I didn’t know this stuff was coming, so it’s just a part of it man. I just try to stay around people who really just care about me as a man, and as a basketball player, (people) who want me happy and my friends that I love every single day.”

[jpotter33]

I still don't see Durant going to Golden State, especially if they repeat this year, because there would be questions on both sides of that transaction.

For Durant, is he really ready to harm his legacy that much just to get a ring when he is just now entering his prime? How bad is it going to look for him jumping ship from a number one option on a contending team to being, most likely, a third option on a team that just repeated championships and, most likely, broke the all-time regular season record?

For Golden State, you simply don't try to fix what isn't broken. There is such a thing as "too much of a good thing," so why upset what seems to be a perfectly balanced team as it is?

I think Durant rightfully has enough pride to not jump ship to a repeating champion. And as long as we win don't lay down and die in the playoffs, I think we're right close to the top of his list if Washington fails to make the playoffs.

[j804]

He didn't come across as the type that'd like to buddy up with someone like Curry and chase rings but guess so gonna be interesting

[CelticSooner]

I still don't see Durant going to Golden State, especially if they repeat this year, because there would be questions on both sides of that transaction.

For Durant, is he really ready to harm his legacy that much just to get a ring when he is just now entering his prime? How bad is it going to look for him jumping ship from a number one option on a contending team to being, most likely, a third option on a team that just repeated championships and, most likely, broke the all-time regular season record?

For Golden State, you simply don't try to fix what isn't broken. There is such a thing as "too much of a good thing," so why upset what seems to be a perfectly balanced team as it is?

I think Durant rightfully has enough pride to not jump ship to a repeating champion. And as long as we win don't lay down and die in the playoffs, I think we're right close to the top of his list if Washington fails to make the playoffs.

TP. I don't see Durant running to the Warriors nor them selling off pieces to bring him in. GS doesn't need Durant which is crazy but true.

If I were a betting man I'll say Durant signs a 1+1 with OKC and gives it one more go. If that fails Westbrook and him both bolt after next season.

[Smartacus]

For what its worth I'm starting to see a lot of chatter from fans of other teams suggesting that Boston is the logical choice for Durant.

Doesn't mean he's been linked here, just that people are starting to realize that he could slot right in and contend. Many out there are proposing that all a Durant lead Celtics team would need is an upgrade to the 5 spot and we'd be legitimately the best situation for KD.

Seems like another common sentiment is that it would be good for the league for Lebron to have a legitimate road block on the way to the finals. Nothing to get excited about mind you just a bit of a change in the narrative that he's guaranteed to go to GS or one of the big markets.

[positivitize]

Doesn't sound like someone who's looking to stay where he is.

[csfansince60s]

He didn't come across as the type that'd like to buddy up with someone like Curry and chase rings but guess so gonna be interesting

But we all know someone else who fits that description.....and that someone can opt out if he wants.

Bron Bron would never,never, ever do that, right?

Even he doesn't have the balls to do that!

[Smartacus]

I still don't see Durant going to Golden State, especially if they repeat this year, because there would be questions on both sides of that transaction.

For Durant, is he really ready to harm his legacy that much just to get a ring when he is just now entering his prime? How bad is it going to look for him jumping ship from a number one option on a contending team to being, most likely, a third option on a team that just repeated championships and, most likely, broke the all-time regular season record?

For Golden State, you simply don't try to fix what isn't broken. There is such a thing as "too much of a good thing," so why upset what seems to be a perfectly balanced team as it is?

I think Durant rightfully has enough pride to not jump ship to a repeating champion. And as long as we win don't lay down and die in the playoffs, I think we're right close to the top of his list if Washington fails to make the playoffs.

TP. I don't see Durant running to the Warriors nor them selling off pieces to bring him in. GS doesn't need Durant which is crazy but true.

If I were a betting man I'll say Durant signs a 1+1 with OKC and gives it one more go. If that fails Westbrook and him both bolt after next season.

Think this would be the best option for his national image and I'm sure he doesn't want to abandon OKC, but then again with the injury problems he's had the past few years signing a 1+1 instead of locking up a long term deal could be a fairly dicey proposition.

[jpotter33]

For what its worth I'm starting to see a lot of chatter from fans of other teams suggesting that Boston is the logical choice for Durant.

Doesn't mean he's been linked here, just that people are starting to realize that he could slot right in and contend. Many out there are proposing that all a Durant lead Celtics team would need is an upgrade to the 5 spot and we'd be legitimately the best situation for KD.

Seems like another common sentiment is that it would be good for the league for Lebron to have a legitimate road block on the way to the finals. Nothing to get excited about mind you just a bit of a change in the narrative that he's guaranteed to go to GS or one of the big markets.

Coincidentally, according to Lowe Durant has made it known to some people that Horford would be one of the potential players that he'd like to play with. (http://www.celticslife.com/2016/02/celtics-sign-al-horford-kevin-durant.html)

Combine that with Woj's news that the C's think they have a good chance at signing Horford this summer, and it really seems like the perfect storm to add two excellent star fits to our roster this summer.

[jpotter33]

He didn't come across as the type that'd like to buddy up with someone like Curry and chase rings but guess so gonna be interesting

But we all know someone else who fits that description.....and that someone can opt out if he wants.

Bron Bron would never,never, ever do that, right?

Even he doesn't have the balls to do that!

I really can't see him leaving Cleveland at this point, and they don't have the money to bring him in, unless they try a sign-and-trade type deal with OKC, though I don't know how receptive OKC would be of that. I think he'd really, really hurt his legacy by leaving Cleveland twice. That city might burn down if he did that to them again lol

[rondohondo]

For what its worth I'm starting to see a lot of chatter from fans of other teams suggesting that Boston is the logical choice for Durant.

Doesn't mean he's been linked here, just that people are starting to realize that he could slot right in and contend. Many out there are proposing that all a Durant lead Celtics team would need is an upgrade to the 5 spot and we'd be legitimately the best situation for KD.

Seems like another common sentiment is that it would be good for the league for Lebron to have a legitimate road block on the way to the finals. Nothing to get excited about mind you just a bit of a change in the narrative that he's guaranteed to go to GS or one of the big markets.

Coincidentally, according to Lowe Durant has made it known to some people that Horford would be one of the potential players that he'd like to play with. (http://www.celticslife.com/2016/02/celtics-sign-al-horford-kevin-durant.html)

Combine that with Woj's news that the C's think they have a good chance at signing Horford this summer, and it really seems like the perfect storm to add two excellent star fits to our roster this summer.

Imagine if we could sign Durant and Horford without giving up any assets ?

IT            / Smart
AB          / Hunter
Jae         / Jaylen Brown
KD          / KO
Horford    /Mickey

 

[KG Living Legend]

I still don't see Durant going to Golden State, especially if they repeat this year, because there would be questions on both sides of that transaction.

For Durant, is he really ready to harm his legacy that much just to get a ring when he is just now entering his prime? How bad is it going to look for him jumping ship from a number one option on a contending team to being, most likely, a third option on a team that just repeated championships and, most likely, broke the all-time regular season record?

For Golden State, you simply don't try to fix what isn't broken. There is such a thing as "too much of a good thing," so why upset what seems to be a perfectly balanced team as it is?

I think Durant rightfully has enough pride to not jump ship to a repeating champion. And as long as we win don't lay down and die in the playoffs, I think we're right close to the top of his list if Washington fails to make the playoffs.

 I don't see him going there either, but what if he does? I see it as a problem for the leauge.

[JBcat]

For what its worth I'm starting to see a lot of chatter from fans of other teams suggesting that Boston is the logical choice for Durant.

Doesn't mean he's been linked here, just that people are starting to realize that he could slot right in and contend. Many out there are proposing that all a Durant lead Celtics team would need is an upgrade to the 5 spot and we'd be legitimately the best situation for KD.

Seems like another common sentiment is that it would be good for the league for Lebron to have a legitimate road block on the way to the finals. Nothing to get excited about mind you just a bit of a change in the narrative that he's guaranteed to go to GS or one of the big markets.

Coincidentally, according to Lowe Durant has made it known to some people that Horford would be one of the potential players that he'd like to play with. (http://www.celticslife.com/2016/02/celtics-sign-al-horford-kevin-durant.html)

Combine that with Woj's news that the C's think they have a good chance at signing Horford this summer, and it really seems like the perfect storm to add two excellent star fits to our roster this summer.

Imagine if we could sign Durant and Horford without giving up any assets ?

IT            / Smart
AB          / Hunter
Jae         / Jaylen Brown
KD          / KO
Horford    /Mickey

 

I don't see KD starting at the 4.  If anything I see Crowder as our new 6th man.  With the rumored reports of trying to trade for a star before the deadline I could see another attempt for someone like Love or Butler by draft night that would help lure Horford and Durant in free agency.

[D Dub]

For what its worth I'm starting to see a lot of chatter from fans of other teams suggesting that Boston is the logical choice for Durant.

Doesn't mean he's been linked here, just that people are starting to realize that he could slot right in and contend. Many out there are proposing that all a Durant lead Celtics team would need is an upgrade to the 5 spot and we'd be legitimately the best situation for KD.

Seems like another common sentiment is that it would be good for the league for Lebron to have a legitimate road block on the way to the finals. Nothing to get excited about mind you just a bit of a change in the narrative that he's guaranteed to go to GS or one of the big markets.

Coincidentally, according to Lowe Durant has made it known to some people that Horford would be one of the potential players that he'd like to play with. (http://www.celticslife.com/2016/02/celtics-sign-al-horford-kevin-durant.html)

Combine that with Woj's news that the C's think they have a good chance at signing Horford this summer, and it really seems like the perfect storm to add two excellent star fits to our roster this summer.

Imagine if we could sign Durant and Horford without giving up any assets ?

IT            / Smart
AB          / Hunter
Jae         / Jaylen Brown
KD          / KO
Horford    /Mickey

 

I don't see KD starting at the 4.  If anything I see Crowder as our new 6th man.  With the rumored reports of trying to trade for a star before the deadline I could see another attempt for someone like Love or Butler by draft night that would help lure Horford and Durant in free agency.

           Thomas
  Bradley        Durant
      Horford  Amir

Smart, Crowder, Turner
     KO, Mickey, Zeller

[Smartacus]

For what its worth I'm starting to see a lot of chatter from fans of other teams suggesting that Boston is the logical choice for Durant.

Doesn't mean he's been linked here, just that people are starting to realize that he could slot right in and contend. Many out there are proposing that all a Durant lead Celtics team would need is an upgrade to the 5 spot and we'd be legitimately the best situation for KD.

Seems like another common sentiment is that it would be good for the league for Lebron to have a legitimate road block on the way to the finals. Nothing to get excited about mind you just a bit of a change in the narrative that he's guaranteed to go to GS or one of the big markets.

Coincidentally, according to Lowe Durant has made it known to some people that Horford would be one of the potential players that he'd like to play with. (http://www.celticslife.com/2016/02/celtics-sign-al-horford-kevin-durant.html)

Combine that with Woj's news that the C's think they have a good chance at signing Horford this summer, and it really seems like the perfect storm to add two excellent star fits to our roster this summer.

Imagine if we could sign Durant and Horford without giving up any assets ?

IT            / Smart
AB          / Hunter
Jae         / Jaylen Brown
KD          / KO
Horford    /Mickey

 

I don't see KD starting at the 4.  If anything I see Crowder as our new 6th man.  With the rumored reports of trying to trade for a star before the deadline I could see another attempt for someone like Love or Butler by draft night that would help lure Horford and Durant in free agency.

           Thomas
  Bradley        Durant
      Horford  Amir

Smart, Crowder, Turner
     KO, Mickey, Zeller

Easily better than any of his OKC teams and you didn't even include the Brooklyn pick.

Maybe we end up with the 1st pick and give OKC Brandon Ingram in a sign and trade. Greatest star player compensation ever.