How does OKC making the WCF impact Boston's chances for KD?

[Drucci]

I was pretty optimistic about our chances of attracting Durant to a better situation at the start of the playoffs, and when the Spurs beat the hell out of OKC in game 1 I thought this was even better.

But now that OKC is playing in the WCF and kind of "swept" the Spurs (in the sense that they won three games in a row against them), and the hype is back again with the Thunder, how much do you think it lessens our chances of looking like a better place to win? And at how much did you have them in the first place?

[Who]

Hurts it in a big way.

[slightly biased bias fan]

I was pretty optimistic about our chances of attracting Durant to a better situation at the start of the playoffs, and when the Spurs beat the hell out of OKC in game 1 I thought this was even better.

But now that OKC is playing in the WCF and kind of "swept" the Spurs (in the sense that they won three games in a row against them), and the hype is back again with the Thunder, how much do you think it lessens our chances of looking like a better place to win? And at how much did you have them in the first place?

There is no way he is leaving, unfortunately. I have always thought that he will resign on a one year deal and reassess in the 2017 offseason.

I think our future will be decided come draft lottery, if we win the lottery, we keep the top pick as I don't think any guy is available as valuable as either Simmons or Ingram and if we get the 3rd pick we try and package it for Butler.

[slightly biased bias fan]

I'd also like to add that Ibaka and Westbrook are off contract in 2017 so that gives them the option of making an ultimatum to OKC management, either add to the team and max out the cap or we all walk.

Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, Gordon Hayward and Paul Millsap, are all free agents in 2017 too.

Ibaka
Griffin
Durant
Roberson
Westbrook

[Roy H.]

The dream is dead for this off-season.

Nightmare scenario: Durant takes a one year deal, and then he and Russ bolt for the Lakers next summer.

[billysan]

The dream is dead for this off-season.

Nightmare scenario: Durant takes a one year deal, and then he and Russ bolt for the Lakers next summer.

Why Wait? Durant goes this year and The Lakers call OKC with an offer of their number one and a slightky kookie young PG for Westbrook. If OKC says no then He goes next year anyway.

We now turn our attention to Demar Derozan and Chandler Parsons as both are upgrades for Brad at the wing. We still make the offers and call KD and Jimmy Butler for that matter. We have to have back up plans in place and working.

I know he is not popular like he used to be but Dwight Howard is very close friends with Parsons. One could net the other although they were together on the Rockets for a very short time, they may still want to play together.

Another option is to go after a big. If we just say no to Howard and Since Horford acts like he wants to stay in Atlanta, then Pau Gasol is available and we work the phones on Griffin. We can also give Mike Conley a call.

[acieEarl]

After game 1 and the Spurs blowout, I was thinking if the Spurs sweep or maybe 4 win games to 1, Durant may consider leaving. Now, I think there's no chance he leaves.

[knuckleballer]

[Alleyoopster]

My feeling is Durant ever coming here was like fantasy talk. Similar to trading Pokemon characters....no basis in reality. (Sorry, that's just my thought.)

Don't believe the WCF results would make the slightest impact on Durant's decision to choose the Celtics. Boston is not going to be his destination when he has so many better options to win a Championship. He may make a coffee stop and talk with Danny, but it will only be to drive up his stock.

[saltlover]

I'd also like to add that Ibaka and Westbrook are off contract in 2017 so that gives them the option of making an ultimatum to OKC management, either add to the team and max out the cap or we all walk.

Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, Gordon Hayward and Paul Millsap, are all free agents in 2017 too.

Ibaka
Griffin
Durant
Roberson
Westbrook

1) They've been in the luxury tax the past couple years, significantly so this year.
2) If KD resigns a 1-year deal this summer, the Thunder will have no cap room in 2017 with just three players under contract (Kanter, Singler, and Payne), and the cap holds of Durant, Westbrook, and Ibaka.

I do think Durant will sign a 1+1.  I've thought that was most likely thing for awhile, and even moreso now.  But without some kind of major trade, that team is going to have the same personnel, give or take some MLE and vet minimum types, kid of like the Celtics beginning in the summer of 2008.  They had their team, and they could try to improve it around the periphery or hope a draftee stepped up, but the options were limited.  Durant, Westbrook, and Ibaka can decide together if that's what they want, or if forging a new trail makes more sense.

[saltlover]

Also, I'd like to add that if Durant meets with the Celtics and ultimately chooses to stick with OKC for one more season, that is not a bad thing.  It's not the best thing, obviously, but it means the Celtics will have had a chance to better get to know what appeals to him and what doesn't, giving them a leg up in the summer of 2017.

[Celtics4ever]

I think it sinks our chances but I do not think our chances were ever that good.

[Fred Roberts]

He still needs a great coach. Thats for sure.

Suddenly though, OKC seems very deep, young and talented.

I want zero to do with Chandler Parsons.

[Celtic Fan Forever]

Chances were slim to none before the Spurs series.
Now they're flat out none

[Celtics18]

Good for OKC that they are being successful.  Durant/Westbrook are the Stockton/Malone of their day;  two great players who play well together on a good team, but just haven't been able to get over the hump to take home the grand prize.  Time will tell if they ever get there.

It would kind of be a shame if one of them bailed.  It's much more honorable to stick it out and keep fighting for that elusive ring together.

We'll just have to get our star elsewhere.