The biggest story of this offseason will be Kevin Durant’s free agency, and for good reason. At 27 years old, Durant is in his prime. He’s also a historically good scorer, and is one of the best players in the world.
Bleacher Report’s Howard Beck reports that he’s likely to leave OKC, but where will he spend next season if he does? Among teams linked to Durant in rumors are the Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Boston Celtics.
Kendrick Perkins, who was with the Celtics during their 2008 championship run, and also was a teammate of Durant’s on the Thunder in 2011 through 2014, had an interesting response to questions regarding Durant’s future. From ESPN’s Chris Forberg:
Told that the Celtics likely will pursue Durant, Perkins replied, “Boston and everybody else, right?” Later he added, “As a friend, I try not to talk to him too much about free agency. I always try to just want to talk to him about things outside of basketball. We talk about personal life and stuff like that. And I know he’s getting this question every day on the hour and stuff like that, so I try not to bother him.
“But he did shoot some teams out there that he made me sign a confidentiality form that I couldn’t tell nobody. He’s got a few teams that he will be looking at.”
Perkins was asked if he’d be surprised if Durant considered Boston.
“You’re trying to get me to really answer the question,” Perkins said. “I can’t answer that. I want to, but I can’t. I mean, I don’t know. I do know, but I don’t know.”
Perkins stressed that Oklahoma City’s playoff performance this year likely will dictate Durant’s decision.
“[The Thunder] win it all, he can’t leave, in my opinion,” Perkins said. “But if they don’t, it might be time for a change.”
Pressed again if he would lobby for Boston if Durant asked about the team, Perkins quipped, “I would tell him to come wherever I’m at.”
Perkins’ comment about the written confidentiality form was a joke, per ESPN’s Zach Lowe:
To clarify, being told by league sources there is no on-paper confidentiality agreement b/w Perk and Durant.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) April 7, 2016
