Raptors Rumors (Photo : Getty Images)
The WashingtonWizards hired former Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks and many observers made the connection to Kevin Durant.
The Wizards has been arguably the most fervent and brazen Kevin Durant suitor in the league, relying on their status as Durant's hometown team.
After the Wizards' breakthrough season in 2014-15, many believed they were in good position to snag the former MVP. However, the team started to implode along with injuries to key players like Bradley Beal, and they eventually missed the playoffs. With that development, many thought the Wizards have lost their chance.
Which is why, despite the denials, it cannot be denied that despite Brooks' impressive resume, the Durant factor plays a part. Mitch Lawrence of Sporting News supported that claim.
"They want Brooks to be front and center when they try to recruit Kevin Durant starting July 1. Brooks coached Durant for nine seasons, with the final seven coming as head coach in Oklahoma City," Lawrence said. After all, Brooks coached Durant for almost his entire career.
However, there are doubts on whether Durant really wants to play in front of his home crowd. Lawrence maintained that Durant is "not wired like LeBron James."
Still, the OKC Thunder has a wealth of assets that the Washington Wizards could covet. Aside from Durant and Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka is also a player that flourished under Brooks' tutelage.
Ibaka was a constant candidate for Defensive Player of the Year and rounded out the team's Big Three, with Durant and Westbrook providing the offense and Ibaka as the defensive anchor. Lawrence examined the probability.
"The Thunder have no plans to part with Ibaka, but never say never."
There is a probability that Ibaka may want to reunite with his former coach. As early as the start of the current season, it was already noticeable, as in this Hoops Habit piece, that the Spaniard's role has diminished under new coach Billy Donovan. While it only focused on one game, it did reflect what transpired in the entire season.
During the Western Conference Finals, there were some remarks that Adams and not Ibaka was the third piece of the "Big Three." The Thunder also employs a lineup which has Durant at the power forward spot extensively.
Not to say that Ibaka is disgruntled but if given a choice, perhaps he would rather play for Brooks. The Wizards can offer one of their young swingmen, Otto Porter or Kelly Oubre and future draft picks if they do pursue Ibaka.
