Kevin Durant (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Kevin Durant sweepstake is on and according to the latest NBA rumors, the San Antonio Spurs could be a possible destination for the OKC Thunder superstar.
Durant will hit free agency in summer and several teams are expected to pitch their offers for the service of the two-time scoring champion.
NBA teams like the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are among the teams interested to bid for Durant, but according to Chris Mannix of The Vertical, rival executives believe the Spurs will be a major player in luring KD this summer.
"San Antonio has rebuilt its dynasty, but rival executives believe the Spurs will explore ways of adding Durant to the mix, and the franchise's culture makes it intriguing," Mannix wrote.
Durant had been in the playoffs five times in his career, and had two Western Conference Finals and one NBA Finals appearances, but none of those opportunities returned any title for the 27-year-old forward.
Joining the Spurs would give him a legitimate chance for his first championship ring and be part of San Antonio's established dynasty. But according to Maxwell Ogden of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, Durant joining the Spurs could create "structural issues" within the team's lineup.
Ogden noted Durant's arrival would force Kawhi Leonard to move away from the small forward, which is "ill-advised" due to the "defensive flexibility" it permits. It would force Durant to play four position, but only if LaMarcus Aldridge is willing to play the center position.
Part of Aldridge's decision to join the Spurs is playing his natural position, which is the power forward spot. If Durant would join the Spurs, Aldridge would then be forced to anchor the five spot.
"The question is, would Aldridge be willing to shift to the 5 if it meant playing in the most explosive frontcourt in the NBA? He'd need to if this dream is to come to fruition," Ogden noted.
Durant's decision to join another team would depend on the success of the Thunder in the postseason. But with the having a slim chance to contend for the NBA title, Durant is almost certain to don a different jersey next season.
