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The NBA’s hot topic and could be an on-going one if the Oklahoma City Thunder struggle early on is their star forward Kevin Durant’s free agency coming up in 2016.
Former NBA player Charles Barkley, who’s known for being quiet about his opinion. Alright we all know it’s the opposite and that’s not a bad thing, but Charles Barkley stated he hopes Durant stays with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“I hope he stays in OKC,” Barkley said. “I would love because he’s a terrific player and a terrific kid, I would love to see him stay in OKC his entire career.
“But you know, man, these guys do what they want to do. I wish them all the best, but for some reason they all want to play in big cities like you’re going to be more famous winning in a certain city. If you win a championship in Cleveland, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, you’re going to be just as big. So, I hope he stays in Oklahoma City. I wish him nothing but the best. I just hope he gets healthy.”
Barkley’s mindset is right, but Durant’s could be different. Durant could view his return home to Washington D.C. and what it did to LeBron James’ brand how it boosted it even more.
The LeBron James return was obviously different with him leaving back in 2010 Cavaliers fans thought they’d never get to witness his return. If Durant does leave Oklahoma City which I think would be a mistake it could shake-up the Eastern Conference with John Wall and Bradley Beal forming a big 3 of their own.
Oklahoma City is a fan base that is a passionate they may not go overboard with the hatred for their star if he did leave, but it could tarnish his legacy.
Durant could not only help a small market franchise win their first championship if he decides to stay, but it would be that much more special to see Durant win it with the team that drafted him.
This story will pick-up steam as the year goes on there’s no doubt about that as seven teams are in on the Durant sweepstakes.
For now Durant will be focused on getting healthy and hopefully getting the Oklahoma City Thunder back in the NBA Finals, and for his sake lets hope he makes the right choice.
