Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant reportedly would "strong considering" signing with the Washington Wizards if he chooses to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith reports sources as saying Durant, a Maryland native, wouldn't mind playing for his hometown team.
Durant is eligible to become a free agent in the summer of 2016, if he doesn't re-sign with Oklahoma City beforehand. While there hasn't been any indication the reigning MVP plans to leave the Thunder, speculation is already stirring regarding potential free agency destinations.
Smith spoke on ESPN's "The Michael Kay Show" and reported Durant, who was born in D.C. and played AAU basketball in the Maryland-Virginia area, would only consider the Wizards if he left the Thunder.
"I don't think anybody, to be quite honest with you," Smith said when asked who would be contenders for Durant if he becomes a free agent in 2016, via the Washington Post. "Obviously the New York Knicks would be in the mix and what have you. But there are folks that I've spoken to that are relatively close to Kevin Durant that tell me if he were to decide to leave Oklahoma City, it would be for the nation's capital. That's the kind of dude he is. That's a place that he would consider.
"I certainly don't want to sit here as a reporter and insider and try to give indications that he's planning on leaving Oklahoma City. I don't know that to be sure. I don't know that to be the case. But I was told that if there is a team that would be strongly considered, it is the Washington Wizards, and him returning home."
It's possible LeBron James's decision to return to Cleveland and Carmelo Anthony's decision to stay in New York could start a new trend in which NBA stars look to play for their hometown teams.
Durant would join a much-improved team. Washington is led by their talented young backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal and anchored by center Marcin Gortat. By 2016, Washington could have a more talented roster than what Oklahoma City could offer Durant.
