5 reasons Kevin Durant stays with Oklahoma City Thunder

2) There isn’t a perfect situation waiting for him

Unlike LeBron James’ partnership with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in 2010 or his homecoming to Cleveland in 2014, there isn’t a dream-like situation in free agency waiting for Kevin Durant. As was discussed a few slides back, his hometown option isn’t nearly as appealing. And in terms of the possibility to join up with a bunch of stars, that may not be what Durant wants.

LeBron was ready to get the help he deserved when he joined the Heat, pursuing a title at long last and finally getting what he wanted with back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. As for Durant, he isn’t carrying such a heavy load, being supported by the terror that is Russell Westbrook and a host of other talent such as Serge Ibaka and Enes Kanter.

Durant has a lot on the line. Because on the third best team in the West, his chance to win can’t get much higher. Essentially, he can either form a super team with the Spurs or Warriors, or risk taking a slight step back in terms of a supporting case by joining another contender.

For instance, the Heat, Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics have all been connected to Kevin Durant in the intensifying speculation. However, the Heat may look very different this summer, with the possibility of Hassan Whiteside taking a max contract elsewhere looming. Plus, a 34-year-old Wade isn’t going to be the dynamic running mate for Durant that he was for LeBron a few years ago.

Meanwhile, in order for the Clippers to land Durant, they’ll need to complete a sign-and-trade, most likely with Blake Griffin. That leaves the simple question of how much is Durant willing to invest in Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan?

Then there’s Boston, the city Chris Mannix mentioned in his report as a “dark horse” in the KD race.

Perhaps Durant, along with some other additions such as an improved frontcourt, could be exactly what the Celtics need to take their team to the level of a genuine contender. One that can not only challenge the best teams in the East, but challenge those residing over the top of the Western Conference, too. If you want to consider a team that owns a good shot at landing Durant with the correct coach, role players, and stellar defense in place to support a new superstar, the Celtics could be that team.

Maybe Durant has no problem joining the Spurs or Warriors. We can’t know that. But when surveying the rest of the playing field that’s keen to bring him onboard, there’s no clear-cut option that gives him a significantly better chance to defeat a team like Golden State.

Which is where the next factor needs to be considered.

Next: Oklahoma City is still a seriously talented place to be