Kevin Durant is already out for the current season, leaving all the dirty work to Russell Westbrook. As of this writing, the Oklahoma City Thunder are tied with the New Orleans Pelicans for the eighth spot in the NBA Western conference with similar (44-37) cards.
The Thunder will need to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last game and pray hard that the San Antonio Spurs defeat the Pelicans for them to get into the playoffs. Sadly, Durant will not be around to make things easier, meaning that Westbrook has to make sure to get half of the mission done. The other half is totally out of their hands.
And with Durant's injuries and obvious market value come 2016, the question once again floats in the air on whether it would be wise for the Thunder to keep or trade him. The answer is usually a no-brainer, any team who would definitely keep their resident star as long as possible.
But the question is on whether can the Thunder keep him? The market value of both Durant and Westbrook are expected to escalate, both having proven their worth. The Thunder could of course opt to maintain that. However would that cost of investing heavily on the mutt-and-jeff tandem be wise? Would finishing runner-up (OKC's best finish in a regular season in 2011-12) justify that investment?
Durant has once said that he is tired finishing second. But he also mentioned that he loves OKC and has no plans to leave. If he had a choice and would be forced to a trade, he mentioned Washington as a possible destination.
But then again, for a young fella who has done a lot before falling to injury, most of the teams that can afford him want to sign him up to. The list includes the packed teams like the Miami Heat, LA Lakers, Dallas Mavericks or even the Cleveland Cavaliers. Most of the NBA teams will surely try to make a pitch at Durant.
However it may all depend on whether the Thunder would trade him before he does hit free agency by 2016. Apparently the Thunder want to make sure that Durant is theirs for the keeping. If not, may as well explore trades this early.
Right now and in Durant's state, it may be too early to tell. But if the Thunder were to offer him, you can be sure teams will still be interested until he gets back to 100% playing form.
