Scott Brooks with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook (Photo : Getty Images Sport)
The Washington Wizards were one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA this season and with it, their hopes of landing Kevin Durant may have vanished when they failed to make the playoffs.
However, there are many ways to skin a cat and if the Wizards can't impress Kevin Durant with their standings, they can lure him with their bench, specifically a familiar face.
In a report from ESPN, it was confirmed that former Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks has agreed to a five-year deal with the Wizards. It was also mentioned that the deal was worth $ 35 million for its duration.
Brooks has developed a working relationship with Durant. His record of 338-207 with the Thunder is impressive and he also brought the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals in five playoff appearances. The Wizards were already eyeing him for months.
"He has been mentioned as a likely coaching target for the Wizards for months, given Washington's well-chronicled intent to pursue D.C. native and current Thunder forward Kevin Durant in free agency this summer," the report stated.
The Houston Rockets were also rumored to be pursuing Brooks where another of his former wards, James Harden is the star.
The intrigue of connecting the Brooks hiring with Durant was egged on by Fox Sports. "The Wizards didn't hire Brooks because he was the best coach available - they hired him because he can lure Kevin Durant to Washington," their report declared.
They also remind that "Durant has been clear that he's going to fully explore free agency this summer, and there is plenty to indicate that he's interesting in working with Brooks again."
It was even mentioned that Durant would consider playing for the New York Knicks, a team that was considered out of the running for most pundits, if Brooks was their coach. While this is speculative, the takeaway is that Brooks is a legitimate lure.
However, the Wizards are now filled with question marks on their roster. They have John Wall who is an All-Star point guard who take on Westbrook's role as KD's partner, but the rest of their roster is quite uncertain, even Bradley Beal who is known as Wall's running mate.
