Kevin Durant has been the subject of numerous rumors all year. The Oklahoma City Thunder forward is set to become the most coveted free agent in the NBA this summer. As such, his free agency plans will be the subject of speculation by many until a real decision is made.
The speculation in regards to Durant has ranged from staying in OKC to joining any of the Wizards, Lakers, Warriors, or Clippers via free agency or even trade. Durant, meanwhile, sees the rumors, but chooses to ignore them, focusing on the task at hand which is attempting to lead his team to a successful season.
The following from Anthony Slater of the Oklahoman:
“Now I guess you could say it’s ramped up. That’s a part of it. That’s a part of this process. Everyone has to do their job. Of course, the fans want to know what’s going on, but I can’t control that. I can’t control any of that. Just gotta work hard every single day, focus on what’s in front of me and not worry about what’s gonna happen down the line. All that stuff I can’t control. Like I said, when that time comes we’ll talk about it, but for right now, I’m 100 percent committed and locked in on being the best team and player I can be and helping my team try to get to a championship.”
“Nah, nobody talks about it here. We don’t even talk about basketball outside of the court. Free agency chatter, we don’t talk about that stuff. As soon as we walk out this court, it’s friendship and brotherhood. We don’t talk about basketball. It makes it easier when you have a group of guys that’s not always turnt on talking about basketball. Like I said, it’s something that’s out of my control. Guys are going to write stories on what they’re going to write about. I just try to stay locked in on where I am.”
Clearly, Durant’s impending free agency is a cloud hanging over the Thunder. The star forward, however, seems to be handling it well. He has not spoken publicly about what his decision might entail, instead continuously saying that his focus is on this Thunder team.
Oklahoma City may be a tier below the Warriors and Spurs this season, but if things break the right way, they may have a chance at a very special season. They need a focused Durant to lead them to that kind of success.
