The Washington Wizards have named Scott Brooks as their new head coach. He is considered as bait for Kevin Durant this offseason, but the Oklahoma City Thunder star is not looking to sign with his hometown team.
Brooks has agreed to a five-year $35 million deal with the Wizards on April 21, Thursday. According to ESPN, Washington improved their offer because the Rockets were very keen on signing the former Thunder head coach.
The Wizards likely signed the 50-year-old coach because of his ties with Durant, who he coached him for seven seasons in Oklahoma City. According to The Vertical, Durant is unwilling to play for Washington even if Brooks is their head coach.
The report also mentioned that KD is not interested in dealing with the stress of having family and friends surrounding him. The 27-year-old superstar has started to tighten up his inner circle because of people claiming to be part of his family and friends.
In his only trip to Washington this season, Durant was reportedly stressed and does not want to put himself or his inner circle through that on a regular basis. The 2014 MVP will be one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason.
Among the teams that are linked to him include the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks. Nonetheless, the Wizards will still make a pitch to Durant and having his former coach helps their small chances.
Even if the Wizards fail to sign KD, their team is still full of potential. They have an All-Star point guard in John Wall and a potential All-Star in Bradley Beal, who just needs to stay healthy.
Washington also have players like Otto Porter, Kelly Oubre and the incoming rookies from the 2016 NBA Draft. The Wizards will now have a proven coach who helped developed Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka during their early years.
Brooks also has an impressive record of 338-207, winning 62 percent of his games. The 2010 NBA Coach of the Year led Thunder to the NBA Finals in 2012 but has been criticized in the past couple years for failing to take the Thunder over the hump.
Check out the video below for a different perspective about Kevin Durant joining the Wizards.