2016 NBA Free Agency: 1 move every team needs to make to be contenders

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder were one well player quarter away from an NBA Finals appearance. They are one of only two teams to have beaten the Golden State Warriors twice in a row this past season and the first to do it before the Cavaliers. The fall from a 3-1 leader over Golden State was rough, but it doesn’t take away from what they accomplished.

Since the playoffs, they made a big move during the draft, sending Serge Ibaka (who will be up for a new contract in 2017) for Victor Oladipo, Ersan Illyasova, and rookie Domantas Sabonis. The move cashed in on Ibaka’s performance in the playoffs while both finding players that could finally bring the Thunder three-point shooting and perimeter defense in the guard/wing positions and also possibly replace Durant if he left.

But, Durant shouldn’t leave. Both the Thunder and Durant have the best chance to compete in 2016 for a championship if they agree to a 1+1 deal. Durant can make more money next year in free agency with Russell Westbrook. And I don’t think he should walk away from the team that Sam Presti just assembled by moving Ibaka. Oladipo and Westbrook would well-balanced tandem of defense and driving, while Ilyasova’s three-point shooting can buy them space to work. And now with Ibaka gone, there is more opportunity to use Enes Kanter. Durant and Westbrook were just too close to that Finals series to walk away. I think Durant returns to Oklahoma for one last championship push.

Next: Orlando Magic