The Washington Wizards recently signed former Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks to a five-year, $35 million contract. Many believe that part of the reason why the Wizards signed Brooks was to attract Kevin Durant, who played under Brooks for seven years. However, this move won’t convince Durant to sign in Washington, reports Chris Mannix of The Vertical:
Durant isn’t coming to Washington. It has nothing to do with Brooks, who Durant respects and has even missed at various points this season. For all of Brooks’ flaws, Durant knew this: He held everyone accountable, and his track record of player development defined him. Durant and Russell Westbrook became MVP-caliber players under Brooks, while the likes of James Harden, Serge Ibaka and Reggie Jackson thrived, too.
Durant isn’t bound for Washington, friends say, because … it’s Washington, it’s home, and, like so many athletes, Durant isn’t all that keen on returning to play in the city in which he grew up. Friends, family – some real, some claiming to be – all come out of the woodwork in those situations, and Durant, who has tightened his inner circle considerably in recent years, isn’t interested in dealing with them. His lone trip to D.C. this season was stressful, league sources told The Vertical, reinforcing to friends that wherever Durant signs next summer, Washington won’t be it.
If this is true, Washington will be tremendously disappointed. Nevertheless, Scott Brooks has advantages other than his closeness with Durant. He’s well-known as an expert when it comes to player development, and the Wizards have some untapped young talent in Bradley Beal, Otto Porter Jr., and Kelly Oubre Jr. Brooks should be a good fit with the Wizards.
