Tom Penn: "Presti may look to trade Kevin Durant next year"

[Fudge]

I think this burst from Westbrook makes it likelier – much more likely – that Durant ultimately gets traded next year. ]

Sam Presti has proven that he does not ever want to lose anybody for nothing. He traded James Harden a year early to avoid a potential luxury tax problem a year later.

The Kevin Durant drumbeat next year is going to be so loud … he will not commit early to OKC because the rules are against that.

If Sam Presti doesn’t that get that commitment, he’ll look to trade Kevin Durant. Looking at the performance of Westbrook and the team around Westbrook will make it easier for him to do that, potentially.

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/post/_/id/12449612/okc-look-deal-kevin-durant-next-season?ex_cid=espnnbaTwitter

What y'all tink?

[navy]

:biggums:

[IncarceratedBob]

They could get a boat load. I'm talking about Okafor, Randle, Clarkson, 2 firsts and 2 seconds for KD from the Lakers

[Milbuck]

:biggums:

[RoseCity07]

Tom Penn is guy that knows what he is talking about. Wish the Blazers would have held on to him. It wasn't his fault they drafted Oden.

As far as KD goes I'd trade a shit load for him. Lillard and Batum. Basically anything but LaMarcus Aldridge.

Preferably it would be Matthews, Batum, and Robin Lopez if the salaries match.

[Cocaine80s]

Dellevoda+ Love for Durant

[JerrySeinfeld]

They're gonna trade Durant just cause they can't win with Brooks... instead of firing Brooks?

:roll: :roll: :roll: if true

[imnew09]

to the Lakers. Booked. Champ cruise ready to go

[RoundMoundOfReb]

LOL it's Westbrook's team now

[Fudge]

They're gonna trade Durant just cause they can't win with Brooks... instead of firing Brooks?

:roll: :roll: :roll: if true
:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

Werd.

Also posted this article just to see the comments it would get.

[plowking]

to the Lakers. Booked. Champ cruise ready to go

Kobe would average 30ppg while Durant would be second fiddle chipping in with 20 off the bench or something.

[SwishSquared]

If this is true, Durant's gonna have a say in who they get. Watch his list of teams be the Lakers, Knicks, Rockets, and Wizards.

[Thunderfan86]

Well....

[christian1923]

Makes sense.

Ask him if he wants to stay long term, if he doesn't ship his ass away

[Prime_Shaq]

If this is true :roll: :roll: :roll:

[navy]

I dont see Durant would resign. He gets Westbrook as a teammate and is the only reason Scott Brooks is still the coach.

[LONGTIME]

Tom Penn is guy that knows what he is talking about. Wish the Blazers would have held on to him. It wasn't his fault they drafted Oden.

As far as KD goes I'd trade a shit load for him. Lillard and Batum. Basically anything but LaMarcus Aldridge.

Preferably it would be Matthews, Batum, and Robin Lopez if the salaries match.

Uh yeah.... Presti is going to trade his franchise player :oldlol: :roll: :roll: :roll:

[Fudge]

Uh yeah.... Presti is going to trade his franchise player :oldlol: :roll: :roll: :roll:
:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

[Marchesk]

Do the 76ers have enough picks stocked up? Presti loves having assets.

[JimmyMcAdocious]

I hope he gets traded. Then Westbrook eventually leaves.

Would make a great 30 for 30 in the future on how he turned a potential dynasty into the Phoenix Suns.

[Eric Cartman]

Sounds crazy, but if it's a good deal and you can buillt a contender around Westbrook, I don't see why you don't do it.

If it's, say, Klay Thompson + David Lee or Bogut + Barnes for Durant + salary fillers, you do it.

[LONGTIME]

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

Anthony Davis + Westbrook doe :eek:

[Marchesk]

Anthony Davis + Westbrook doe :eek:

Anthony Davis is the one player in the entire league I wouldn't trade for Durant, unless I had serious concerns about his ability to stay healthy.

[RoseCity07]

It would be really stupid to trade Durant. The only way in hell that happens if KD wants out and won't resign.

Investing in just Westbrook is a terrible idea. He's a Steve Francis type player. What happens if he starts getting hurt? He could get hurt and it's all over for OKC. No back up plan.

Dumbest trade in NBA history to get rid of Harden. They would have won titles with that team.

[RoseCity07]

Sounds crazy, but if it's a good deal and you can buillt a contender around Westbrook, I don't see why you don't do it.

If it's, say, Klay Thompson + David Lee or Bogut + Barnes for Durant + salary fillers, you do it.

Lol at throwing in Lee and Bogut like they're prizes. That gonna cost them Curry and Klay Thompson. This is Kevin Durant.

[dazzer87]

Lol at throwing in Lee and Bogut like they're prizes. That gonna cost them Curry and Klay Thompson. This is Kevin Durant.
:roll:

[navy]

Anthony Davis is the one player in the entire league I wouldn't trade for Durant, unless I had serious concerns about his ability to stay healthy.
Played more games than Durant this season

[J Shuttlesworth]

LeBron and KD about to wrek the league :applause:

[AintNoSunshine]

They're gonna trade Durant just cause they can't win with Brooks... instead of firing Brooks?

:roll: :roll: :roll: if true


At this point I think it's pretty obvious Brooks somehow got holds of dirty secrets of the top management.

[Eric Cartman]

You need to get, for Durant, a young fringe superstar and minimum 2 really good players, also no point guards since you already have Russ.

Fringe superstars:

Klay Thompson
Anthony Davis
James Harden (:lol)
Aldridge

So, in theory, I see that these 4 teams could put a package for KD.

Pelicans:
Davis straight up

Warriors:
Klay Thompson + David Lee + Harrison Barnes

Houston:
James Harden + D-Mo + Jones

Portland:
Aldridge + Matthews + Lopez

[SwishSquared]

Lol at throwing in Lee and Bogut like they're prizes. That gonna cost them Curry and Klay Thompson. This is Kevin Durant.
Klay, yes, but not him & Curry. GSW won't give up Curry for KD. Curry is making less than Klay the next 2 seasons. He's greatly underpaid. Package would be Klay + a first + something else.

Edit:
Curry's contract isn't the only thing that makes him untouchable lol. That'd be too much to give OKC back honestly. How often are superstars traded for superstars? Klay's the best established player they'd get back honestly.

[LONGTIME]

Klay, yes, but not him & Curry. GSW won't give up Curry for KD. Curry is making less than Klay the next 2 seasons. He's greatly underpaid. Package would be Klay + a first + something else.

:wtf: :oldlol:

[Beastmode88]

Wow imagine KD with the cavs.. :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Batman
http://www.foxsports.com/content/dam/fsdigital/RSN/Ohio/2014/02/27/022714-FSO-NBA-Cavs-Kyriemask-PI.jpg

Robin
https://celticfanchat.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/lebron-james.jpg

Alfred
http://dalje.com/slike/slike_3/r1/g2011/m04/ox281264424424605823.jpg

The family finally together :rockon::rockon:

[SwishSquared]

:wtf: :oldlol:
Lol yeah Curry signed $44M/4 year extension after his third year. There were major ankle injury concerns, and Klay just got a $17.5M/year extension this summer.

[Eric Cartman]

http://stackholdersonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Kevin-Durant-The-Servant.jpg

[talkingconch]

its happening..

[Heavincent]

Well yeah, OKC is gonna keep trading assets until they're left with a bunch of scrappy role players/scrubs.

Scott Brooks dream lineup:

PG - Steve Blake
SG - Andre Roberson
SF - Matt Barnes
PF - Nick Collison
C - Kendrick Perkins (obviously)

To hell with the glory boys, THESE GUYS ARE TUFF

[Eric Cartman]

Well yeah, OKC is gonna keep trading assets until they're left with a bunch of scrappy role players/scrubs.

Scott Brooks dream lineup:

PG - Steve Blake
SG - Andre Roberson
SF - Matt Barnes
PF - Nick Collison
C - Kendrick Perkins (obviously)

To hell with the glory boys, THESE GUYS ARE TUFF

Too bad Fisher is retired :(

[SwishSquared]

This is Sam Hinkie's moment lolol. #2 overall pick + Robert Covington + future first for Durant + Waiters incoming...

[christian1923]

http://stackholdersonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Kevin-Durant-The-Servant.jpg
I seen this picture bout 100 times and just noticed Lebron on the wall :roll:

[Smook A.]

Dwight + Jones + a pick for Durant. Do it, Morey.

[J Shuttlesworth]

I seen this picture bout 100 times and just noticed Lebron on the wall :roll:
oh **** :roll:

[Heavincent]

Too bad Fisher is retired :(

Yeah old Fisher was the prototypical Scott Brooks player. Can't really do shit on the court, but he's "tough" and brings "veteran experience", so lets play him 25+ minutes in crucial playoff games.

[J Shuttlesworth]

Dwight + Jones + a pick for Durant. Do it, Morey.
And then Westbrook joins the Rockets when he becomes a free agent. The Harden/WB/KD dynasty that was meant to be comes to fruition, just not in OKC :bowdown:

[Marchesk]

How much is Lebron willing to give up? Too bad he didn't keep Wiggins around as a bargaining chip.

[SwishSquared]

Would any offer honestly top Klay + Barnes + a first?

Westbrook-Klay-Barnes-Ibaka-Adams
Augustin-Morrow-Roberson-McGary-Collison
Waiters-Lamb-Jones

Throw in Kanter and/or Singler if they re-sign. I don't even think GSW would offer that much. Watch their top offer be Iggy + Barnes + 2 firsts lol.

I mean Boston & Philly have pick on picks on picks + prospects to offer, but I doubt he'd even want to be there.

[bballnoob1192]

if this trade goes down there is no way in hell WB will stay in OKC hickville. that would mean presti would have gotten rid of three MVP caliber players. That's some alpha GM shit right there

[Smook A.]

And then Westbrook joins the Rockets when he becomes a free agent. The Harden/WB/KD dynasty that was meant to be comes to fruition, just not in OKC :bowdown:
oooh. That would burn the OKC fans :lol

[Westbrook0]

IT'S NOT ACTUALLY HAPPENING DUMMIES

This is a guy writing an opinion column. A stupid opinion at that.

There is no factual basis, inside info, rumors or sources that go along with this misleading title.

It's an opinion column with absolutely no research or factual information behind it. Please don't take it as any sort of truth.

[LongLiveTheKing]

They're keeping their best player and best playoff performer. KD is going to keep choking in the playoffs :lol

[Fudge]

That moment when KD re-signs with OKC next summer

http://www.myfacewhen.net/uploads/37-intredasting.jpg

[J Shuttlesworth]

IT'S NOT ACTUALLY HAPPENING DUMMIES

This is a guy writing an opinion column. A stupid opinion at that.

There is no factual basis, inside info, rumors or sources that go along with this misleading title.

It's an opinion column with absolutely no research or factual information behind it. Please don't take it as any sort of truth.
Yeah no shit. All he said is that Westbrook playing this way "raises the likelihood"

Maybe raises it from 0.0% to 0.01% but it's obviously not happening, but KD might leave in 2016

[KG215]

Come one, why would Presti do this. If healthy next year, OKC is a 60+ win team and a legit contender. You make one last run at a title, and if Durant opts to leave in the summer so be it. You don't just trade him away, and completely throw away a possible championship season, because you're not sure he'll re-sign with you in the summer.

[Cocaine80s]

Damn okc fans shitting bricks right now


Thought everyone was so confident KD was loyal and would never leave OKC :oldlol:

[chazzy]

one guy's speculation and you guys are jizzing up a blizzard

[Fudge]

one guy's speculation and you guys are jizzing up a blizzard
:lol

These losers getting trolled by the good ol Tom Penn.

[JohnFreeman]

MVP now on the trading block? That fall from the top

[LONGTIME]

http://cdn.themetapicture.com/pic/images/2014/10/30/funny-gif-Scrubs-Dorian-arm-wrestling.gif

[Westbrook0]

This just goes to show how many people read topic titles but not the actual content.

:facepalm

[bdreason]

If they fail miserably in the playoffs this year, and KD doesn't at least give a handshake agreement... OKC will have to trade him. You can't risk letting a player like Durant walk for nothing. The Thunder may never recover as a franchise.

[bdreason]

Come one, why would Presti do this. If healthy next year, OKC is a 60+ win team and a legit contender. You make one last run at a title, and if Durant opts to leave in the summer so be it. You don't just trade him away, and completely throw away a possible championship season, because you're not sure he'll re-sign with you in the summer.



Didn't stop them from trading Harden in the middle of a championship season.

[dubeta]

If Presti is trading Durant, he shouldve done it 1-2 years ago.

You wont get much value for Durant by next year

He would be older, and he already declined significantly this year, might even decline more next year

He's proven to be injury prone, and his stats aren't that good anymore. Plus there's like 5+ players better than him now

[Westbrook0]

If Presti is trading Durant, he shouldve done it 1-2 years ago.

You wont get much value for Durant by next year

He would be older, and he already declined significantly this year, might even decline more next year

He's proven to be injury prone, and his stats aren't that good anymore. Plus there's like 5+ players better than him now

He's not getting traded.

[KG215]

Didn't stop them from trading Harden in the middle of a championship season.
They traded Harden before the season and, at the time, he was coming off a 17-4-4 season as their third option. He wasn't viewed as one of the two best players on the planet, or even top 25, and I don't think anyone envisioned him becoming this good back in October 2012. I'm not defending the trade, because it was obvious had a ton of potential and could've easily been a 22-5-5 player on his own team -- at the time. Obviously he became much better than that.

We're talking about trading Kevin Durant here. The two situations aren't even remotely similar.

[ImKobe]

OKC gonna look real funny when KD & Russ both leave.

[bdreason]

They traded Harden before the season and, at the time, he was coming off a 17-4-4 season as their third option. He wasn't viewed as one of the two best players on the planet, or even top 25, and I don't think anyone envisioned him becoming this good back in October 2012. I'm not defending the trade, because it was obvious had a ton of potential and could've easily been a 22-5-5 player on his own team -- at the time. Obviously he became much better than that.

We're talking about trading Kevin Durant here. The two situations aren't even remotely similar.


Completely different situations... but the reality is they didn't hesitate to break up an NBA Finals team. Like I said before, OKC can't afford to just let Durant walk for nothing. The franchise would literally turn into the midwest version of the Sacramento Kings over night, and could be marred in mediocrity for a long time... even if they manage to keep Russell Westbrook.

[ScarSymmetry]

If Presti is trading Durant, he shouldve done it 1-2 years ago.

You wont get much value for Durant by next year

He would be older, and he already declined significantly this year, might even decline more next year

He's proven to be injury prone, and his stats aren't that good anymore. Plus there's like 5+ players better than him now

You try to be a troll, but you are hopeless at it.

I hope you are infertile. You add no value to the human race.

At least a good troll is funny.

[T_L_P]

I dont see Durant would resign..

navy's WOAT sentence. :biggums:

[T_L_P]

Fringe superstars:

Klay Thompson
Anthony Davis
James Harden (:lol)
Aldridge

Two clear-cut superstars. :biggums:

[matty p]

Lol at people mentioning Klay Thompson + filler for Durant. Surely OKC aren't that dumb.

[Lebronxrings]

love + pick for durant?

[Mr Exlax]

Breaking!

Sam Presti may not look to trade Kevin Durant next year

[Charlie Sheen]

If they fail miserably in the playoffs this year, and KD doesn't at least give a handshake agreement... OKC will have to trade him. You can't risk letting a player like Durant walk for nothing. The Thunder may never recover as a franchise.

Why can't OKC risk letting him walk? That's a 60 win team when they aren't wrecked by injuries. I'd be hesitant to slam the window shut on contending for an NBA championship a year early.

[Darius]

Blake Griffin for KD

[Taller than CP3]

Let's not forget, Durant is a hothead these days. All this talk is just going to piss him off even more. I can't wait to hear what he has to say this time, lol.

[imdaman99]

Here in NYC listening to sports radio while at work, some dudes call up to talk about trading the Knicks pick. Than the idiot host goes on to say, the only way they will trade the pick is if they can get Durant because that team WILL trade him if they know he won't re-sign there. WTF does he know, he's just a moron who thinks he's the pope of sports radio. OKC surely cannot be that cheap can they? Afraid of losing the best player in the game so they trade him??? I know they did it with Harden but Harden was not some proven commodity that KD is.

[pauk]

If this is true, Durant's gonna have a say in who they get. Watch his list of teams be the Lakers, Knicks, Rockets, and Wizards.

Ofcourse.... its not like he will be getting traded against his will, he will in this case want to leave and want to pick whatever team, a player of this magnitude is capable of this option... certainly better than becoming free-agent and doing so, he can use "b-b-bu-but i got traded" as an excuse... its the same thing...

[Hittin_Shots]

Get'r done Ainge.

[El Kabong]

****ing crazy if they do.

[Darius]

I don't think you trade a player who could end up top 20 all-time.

You do everything you can to keep him and hold out hope until the end.

That said, if you are going to trade a top 3 player, at least get a young, top 10 player back... Blake Griffin is an OKC native!

[miles berg]

Trade him for Melo + Knicks pick.

[dazzer87]

I don't think you trade a player who could end up top 20 all-time.

top 20? Dude, come on I think he could end up top 2 that ever played for OKC. Behind Westbrook.

[Jailblazers7]

Presti is determined to prove the haters wrong who said he couldn't make a worse trade than the Harden deal.

[DeuceWallaces]

All you dopes with these incredible trades for Curry, #1 Pick, Randle, etc. need to revist the Shaq, Melo, Grant Hill, and KG trades. It doesn't work like that. Whatever if/you trade KD for, you can guarantee it will be a fleecing and very underwhelming.

[hawksdogsbraves]

All you dopes with these incredible trades for Curry, #1 Pick, Randle, etc. need to revist the Shaq, Melo, Grant Hill, and KG trades. It doesn't work like that. Whatever if/you trade KD for, you can guarantee it will be a fleecing and very underwhelming.

It's nearly impossible for OKC to get equal value back, but if the alternative is getting NOTHING back, wouldn't they rather have Griffin/Okafor/whatever?

Plus it's possible for them to get a pretty good deal. Love obviously isn't Durant, but most people would say the Timberwolves got the better of that Cavs trade.

[Fudge]

I don't think you trade a player who could end up top 20 all-time.

You do everything you can to keep him and hold out hope until the end.

That said, if you are going to trade a top 3 player, at least get a young, top 10 player back... Blake Griffin is an OKC native!
Could? He most definitely will. Maybe even higher. Dude is already in the Top 30-35.

[DeuceWallaces]

It's nearly impossible for OKC to get equal value back, but if the alternative is getting NOTHING back, wouldn't they rather have Griffin/Okafor/whatever?

Plus it's possible for them to get a pretty good deal. Love obviously isn't Durant, but most people would say the Timberwolves got the better of that Cavs trade.

I think those names are a HUGE stretch. Whatever team will have to resign him and need a guarantee that he'll agree to it before the trade.

Look at the trash exchanged in the trades I mentioned. Oh, I forgot about Love, but Timberwolves had the Cavs by the balls because LeBron was the new GM and forcing their hand. In this scenario the leverage will be flipped because everyone knows KD can just walk and there's no impetus for another team to make a trade.

[Im Still Ballin]

"He who acts upon impulse, snares the early worm"

"He who hesitates, misses the one shot, that opportunity comes once in a life time"

[longtime lurker]

Do you dopes read the article at all? It's one person's opinion on what the Thunder will do. Itls by no means anything legitimate.

[chips93]

the harden trade makes me think he would be worried about making the same mistake twice, so he would be even more reluctant to trade kd.

[DeuceWallaces]

Do you dopes read the article at all? It's one person's opinion on what the Thunder will do. Itls by no means anything legitimate.

We all know this. Dope.

[D-FENS]

Kevin Durant & Jeremy Lamb to Chicago for Butler, Gibson, McDermott, Dunleavy and 2 firsts. Who says no?

Kanter/ Adams/ McGary
Ibaka/ Gibson/ Collison
Dunleavy/ Singler/ McDermott
Butler/ Waiters/ Morrow
Westbrook/ Augustin

[Eric Cartman]

Kevin Durant & Jeremy Lamb to Chicago for Butler, Gibson, McDermott, Dunleavy and 2 firsts. Who says no?

Kanter/ Adams/ McGary
Ibaka/ Gibson/ Collison
Dunleavy/ Singler/ McDermott
Butler/ Waiters/ Morrow
Westbrook/ Augustin

They ain't trading Durant for a 1 year wonder.

[NugzFan]

Haven't read the thread but is there any realistic trade that thunder fans would be happy with so far?

I feel like no matter what any teams offer, thunder fans will laugh and say no

[LONGTIME]

Haven't read the thread but is there any realistic trade that thunder fans would be happy with so far?

I feel like no matter what any teams offer, thunder fans will laugh and say no

Anthony Davis. And that's not going to happen. So no, there isn't any realistic trade. You don't trade a talent like Durant. You go all in this year and next and if he walks, he walks.

[Marchesk]

Anthony Davis. And that's not going to happen. So no, there isn't any realistic trade. You don't trade a talent like Durant. You go all in this year and next and if he walks, he walks.

This. Lebron's the only other player of his caliber, and of course he's off limits. Durant has top 10 all-time potential if he has a long, healthy career.

As a Thunder fan (somewhat anyway), I'd take a title even if Durant walks. Then you have a championship and try to convince Russ to stay. They do have some nice young pieces if you can keep one superstar.

But even if Russ leaves the following year, you always have that title. Beats being a fan of most of the teams in the league.

The only other way is if Durant tells you he's leaving no matter what, but Russ is committed to stay long term if you put enough talent around him. Then you go trade Durant for the pieces that best fit with Westbrook's game and try to win a couple titles that way.

[Marchesk]

Actually though, I wonder. Would the Pelicans take Durant + Ibaka (or Kanter) for Davis?

Not that OKC should or would offer that, but I'm wondering if that's the one deal that would convince them.

If you can't keep Durant, but you can keep Westbrook and have Davis ...

[hawksdogsbraves]

Actually though, I wonder. Would the Pelicans take Durant + Ibaka (or Kanter) for Davis?

Not that OKC should or would offer that, but I'm wondering if that's the one deal that would convince them.

If you can't keep Durant, but you can keep Westbrook and have Davis ...

I think both parties would consider. Honestly if I'm the Thunder and I get that offer, I probably do it. Davis is five years younger than Durant and probably fits better with Westbrook.

[navy]

You dont trade Durant. You pray that he stays.

[no pun intended]

http://i.imgur.com/ldnK02H.png

[imdaman99]

^^^^^ So OKC trades away the best player in the game for 2 eternally injured players? Good one.

[Hey Yo]

This. Lebron's the only other player of his caliber, and of course he's off limits. Durant has top 10 all-time potential if he has a long, healthy career.

As a Thunder fan (somewhat anyway), I'd take a title even if Durant walks. Then you have a championship and try to convince Russ to stay. They do have some nice young pieces if you can keep one superstar.

But even if Russ leaves the following year, you always have that title. Beats being a fan of most of the teams in the league.

The only other way is if Durant tells you he's leaving no matter what, but Russ is committed to stay long term if you put enough talent around him. Then you go trade Durant for the pieces that best fit with Westbrook's game and try to win a couple titles that way.
He's already showing foot problems.

Do they not **** around with his health and shut him down this year? They'll get less return if KD keeps breaking down from now until the time comes.

Heard Media member say today that Presti is a guy who will not lose a player like KD for nothing in return. If he doesn't commit come close to the trade deadline he'll move him before he gets nothing back.

[Levity]

This just goes to show how many people read topic titles but not the actual content.

:facepalm

it's that selective reading ISH posters and the youth of today are known for

It's its not a buzzfeed top 10, then it isnt worth your time.

[Fudge]

http://i.imgur.com/ldnK02H.png
:roll:

[IamRAMBO24]

The trade is not happening. Two main assumptions that are flawed:

1. Westbrook is playing great, so there is no need for KD.

If it's anything, everyone in OK is excited about a healthy KD and a prime Westbrook playing together. Nobody thinks KD will take away Russ's game or vice versa. This assumption is the opposite of what OKC fans are thinking and if Durant walks, it's a loss. No amount of role players around Russ can fill his shoes.

2. Presti pulled the trade for Harden, so he'll do the same for Durant.

Unlike KD, Presti had to choose between Ibaka or Harden. He knew Harden would leave if he didn't get the max, so he pulled the trigger early since he had enough assets (Westbrook, Durant, Ibaka) to carry the team. Harden was a bench player and not even close to the centerpiece. Durant is the heart and soul of the team. He's not going to trade him. Even if Durant does not commit, Presti will probably do whatever he can to convince him to stay, even if it means losing him to FA. He means that much to the Thunder. Harden does not even come close.

[kshutts1]

Before this article, I had this thought...

Let's say the Thunder do not win the title this year (they're my pick to win, though), even though Westbrook, Ibaka and Durant are healthy.

Let's also say that Philadelphia gets all of their traded firsts this year.. we're talking Lakers pick, plus all other picks they traded for.

Now, Philly offers ALL their firsts this year... I think it would be 4 or 5, plus their own first in 2018.

Durant is only signed through 2016, Thunder are not sure he'll stay with Philly, so that 2018 pick could be legit.

Sixers new lineup:
Who cares
Who cares
Durant
Embiid
Noel
:eek: Dat length!

Now the Thunder have...
7 million in cap space this summer
4-6 first round picks, with potentially the top pick from Philly

Westbrook
Lamb
Roberson
Ibaka
Adams

Can use those picks and some of that space to rebuild a more balanced team around Westbrook.

Again, I think OKC wins the title this year, and they'd be stupid to trade Durant whether they win or not. But if one of Durant or Westbrook have to go, it needs to be Durant, as his perceived value is much higher than Westbrook's, even though his talent is only marginally higher.