Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant is finished for the season, but he wanted to make at least one thing clear: He loves it in Oklahoma City. Although the reigning MVP expressed his love for the city and his teammates, he didn't rule out leaving in 2016 when he becomes a free agent.
Durant's impending free agency has been the subject of rumors since last summer, and those rumors won't die down any time soon. Durant's season may be over because of a troublesome foot injury, but he seemingly tried to quell the rumor mill when he said earlier this week it would be exciting to play out his career in Oklahoma City and eventually have his jersey retired by the team.
"I love it here, man. I love my teammates, I love the city, I don't really think about anywhere else," Durant told Revolt TV, according to ESPN. "I hear it all the time, don't get me wrong, and once you hear it you're kind of like (looks up, thinking). But for me, I love staying in the moment, and I'm one of those guys that would love to stick it out with one team my whole career. Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki type. That's awesome.
"But you never know what the future holds sometimes and how teams may feel about you after a while, but I love it here and I would love to get my jersey retired here."
Durant is Oklahoma City's to lose. Although the Thunder appear to be the frontrunners to re-sign him in 2016, that could change depending on how next season plays out. Thunder general manager Sam Presti showed this season, with his decisions to trade for Dion Waiters and Enes Kanter, he is willing to make roster moves if it means giving Durant - and the team - a better chance of winning a title. Nonetheless if for whatever reason Durant feels by the end of next season Oklahoma City has regressed and no longer gives him a legitimate shot at winning a championship, he'll be much more likely to take his talents elsewhere.
If that happens, look for the Washington Wizards, the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks to be among his biggest suitors.
