The idea of a Kevin Durant trade seems impossible. Superstar players in their prime are almost never moved, though, a former NBA executive believes the Oklahoma City Thunder may actually pull the trigger on a Kevin Durant trade next season.
Tom Penn, co-owner of the MLS’ Los Angeles Football Club and former Portland Trail Blazers VP says he believes it’s very possible the OKC Thunder will part ways with Kevin Durant next season and build their team around Russell Westbrook instead.
“I think this burst from Westbrook makes it much more likely that Durant ultimately gets traded next year. … Sam Presti has proven that he does not ever want to lose anybody for nothing. So he traded James Harden a year early to avoid a potential luxury tax problem a year later.
“The Kevin Durant drumbeat next year is going to be so loud because he will not commit early to Oklahoma City contractually because the rules are against that. He can’t get the same contract if he signs early as if he just goes to free agency and resigns.
So if Sam Presti doesn’t get that commitment, he’ll look to to trade Kevin Durant. And looking at the performance of Westbrook and the team around Westbrook will make it easier for him to do that potentially.”
Keep in mind, this is just Penn’s opinion, though I’m not sure it’s an ‘educated’ one just because he previously worked for an NBA franchise. Still, it’s understandable that the Thunder will be looking for a commitment from Kevin Durant moving forward.
If he can’t give them one, then perhaps a trade could be a thought – though I doubt such is even on their mind at this time.
