Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce hailed D.C. as an ideal destination for free agents now and in the future. As Basketball Insiders' Yannis Koutroupis suggested, did Pierce make a subtle pitch to Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant?
Pierce seems happy with his decision to sign with Washington this summer as a free agent. He instantly brings credibility and championship experience to the club, which could help the team in terms of recruiting upcoming free agents who would have never looked at Washington before.
At media day, Pierce espoused his belief that he will be the first of many big-name talents to land in D.C. as a free agent.
"This is going to be a destination for free agents to come not only now but in the near future," Pierce said at Monday's media day, via Basketball Insiders.
One free agent Pierce could have been thinking about with his sell of the team is Durant, who's eligible to become a free agent in 2016. If Oklahoma City is the frontrunner to re-sign Durant, then Washington is the No. 2 with no clear No. 3 in sight.
Washington's biggest attraction for Durant is the opportunity to return home. Durant applauded LeBron James for deciding to play again for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Maryland native probably is intrigued at the idea of also becoming a hometown hero.
Second, the Wizards are a much-improved team. Washington sports one of the top backcourts in the league - John Wall and Bradley Beal - with a true point guard, and both players have youth and tremendous upside. After not making the postseason for years, the Wizards made it to the second round of the playoffs before falling to the Indiana Pacers in six games.
The Wizards aren't a better team than Oklahoma City now, but there's no telling what shape the Thunder roster will be in come 2016. As for Durant, he has made it clear he won't be discussing his free agency plans any time soon.
