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NBA: The Best 2016 Free Agent For Every Team

By Ryan Blackburn

May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the Air Canada Centre prior to Indiana Pacers playing Toronto Raptors in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the Air Canada Centre prior to Indiana Pacers playing Toronto Raptors in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 30, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) grabs a rebound against the San Antonio Spurs in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) grabs a rebound against the San Antonio Spurs in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Oklahoma City Thunder – Kevin Durant

Can we just skip this slide because it’s so obvious?

Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder are currently battling in the second round of the playoffs. If they come up short, Durant may explore his options elsewhere. Right now, the Western Conference is run by the Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs, and the Thunder are currently playing third fiddle. Any team with Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, and various role players should be competing for a championship, but that’s just not how it is.

If the Thunder can break through and figure out how to defeat the two aforementioned juggernauts, then Durant is exponentially more likely to come back. At this point though, Durant may desire to chase winning in his career. He’s not young anymore, and as a superstar in his ninth season currently, he’s racking up the miles on his body.

The Thunder are simply hoping for Durant to take what he’s familiar with and re-sign for a max deal. Another likely scenario is for Durant to sign a one-year contract with a player option attached to it. This will help Durant take advantage of CBA rules that allow for players in their 11th season to take up 35 percent of their team’s salary cap space, a bracket above the 30 percent mark in the 10th year.

Either way, the Thunder are auditioning for Durant’s services for the foreseeable future, and he has the power to leave them high and dry if he chooses.

Next: Orlando Magic