Fansided

20 bold predictions for the NBA’s second half

By Luke Dahlgren

Feb 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Magic Johnson (left) speaks during a tribute to Western Conference forward Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (right) prior to the start of the NBA All Star Game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Magic Johnson (left) speaks during a tribute to Western Conference forward Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (right) prior to the start of the NBA All Star Game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 18, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball as guard Russell Westbrook (0) runs behind during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball as guard Russell Westbrook (0) runs behind during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Durant will re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder

Entering the 2016 offseason, the biggest potential free agent will be Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant. Everything for him will hinge on the Thunder’s postseason success; the window of opportunity for a championship is closing for the team, and this is may be the worst year to attempt a playoff run considering the success of the Warriors and Spurs.

So, if the Thunder aren’t able to win this season, why re-sign if you are Durant? Sam Presti and the front office hasn’t proven that it can consistently provide it’s superstars with adequate supporting talent, and Durant’s shared stardom with Russell Westbrook hasn’t shown to be symbiotic. They don’t build off of each other’s games so much as they split time as the team’s primary talent.

Durant’s smartest option is to re-sign with a “1+1” deal: a one-year deal with a player option for an additional second year. This is Durant’s ninth season in the NBA. After his tenth, the maximum contract he can sign will go up to the highest possible total allowed by the salary cap. It’s yet to be announced for 2016, but the 2015 maximum for 10+ years of experience was $22.97 million.

Durant will want the flexibility to restructure after his tenth year is up, either if he wants to re-sign with the Thunder in 2018 – when Westbrook’s contract also expires – or move on elsewhere.

The reasoning is not exactly the most exciting, but it will allow the Westbrook-Durant experiment to continue for another season.

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