Teams such as the New York Knicks and the Washington Wizards are already lining up to pursue Kevin Durant when he becomes a free agent in 2016. With money seemingly a nonfactor for Durant, the Oklahoma City Thunder's best chance of re-signing the MVP is by winning championships.
Washington is emerging as a frontrunner for Durant in 2016 and appears to be taking the necessary steps to bolster their chances of landing him. In addition to being Durant's hometown team, the Wizards chose to hire David Adkins, who coached Durant in high school, as an assistant coach.
New York seemingly followed Washington's suit by hiring an assistant coach who also has close ties to Durant. The Knicks announced Wednesday the hiring of Brian Keefe, a longtime Thunder assistant whom the New York Post describes as "Durant's guy."
What that means for Oklahoma City is competition. Durant hasn't committed to playing for the Thunder beyond his current contract, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement makes it not financially worthwhile to sign an extension, making it almost certain Durant will test free agency.
Although Oklahoma City can offer Durant the most money in 2016, money is unlikely to be a factory in his decision. As Yannis Koutroupis of Basketball Insiders pointed out, Durant landed a huge pay day with his recent Nike extension - he won't be hurting for money any time soon.
That leaves the Thunder with only one way to convince Durant to stay: winning. Oklahoma City reached the finals three seasons ago, but they've struggled ever since to return. The shape of Oklahoma City's roster heading into July 2016 will play a big part in Durant's free agency. Along the same lines, Oklahoma City must prove to Durant they can get over the Western Conference hump and give him the best chance to win his first ring.
