The Oklahoma City Thunder were a part of the biggest trade so far this offseason. The team traded long-time power forward Serge Ibaka to the Magic. In return, they received a package headlined by shooting guard Victor Oladipo. The move was an interesting one as there was no clear winner immediately following it. Yet, the Thunder seemed to believe they needed a shake up in order to continue competing against the best.
Count Kevin Durant as a proponent of the move, however. The small forward and current free agent spoke to the media after being introduced as a member of Team USA. In the scrum, he lamented about not being able to play with Ibaka any longer, but showed excitement about the trade:
“It’s a good move,” Durant told reporters. “I like Oladipo. He’s a good buddy, a friend of mine, and I’m definitely going to miss playing with Serge. He contributed so much to our organization and to the city, and he’s a pioneer for what he’s done for us and it’s always going to be remembered in OKC what he’s done for the community and his hard work on the court, so we wish him the best.”
A few thoughts:
First, guess Durant’s not going to Orlando in free agency if he’s going to “miss playing with Serge.”
Second, Durant is speaking as someone who is still very much a part of the Thunder. This is certainly reading too much into a quick quote after being led on by reporters. But, Durant’s response should inspire some confidence from OKC fans (id they didn’t already have it) that he will stay at least one more season.
Finally, Kevin Durant’s answer about the trade itself may show some signs that he had some input on the decision. Durant does not sound like he was blindsided by the trade at all. In fact, he sounds like someone who was told of the trade and who gave his blessing.
Again, this is all reading a lot into a small quote. But these are some probable conclusions to be drawn by the statement.
