[J-rueMykelParticipant]

As of today, if someone put a gun to your head and said does KD stay or does he go, what is your gut answer?  I feel like the common thought is if they win the title he stays, and if not he goes, but I think it’s deeper than that.

With the playoff success this year, regardless of the outcome, I think the bond between him and Russ has only strengthened.  They are 27, and Russ is in OKC minimum one more year.  So even if they falter either to GSW or CLE, I could totally see KD taking a page out of LBJ’s book and signing a short term max deal (1 year with a player option perhaps) to come back and fight next to his now widely percieved equivalent in RWB.  And I would love every second of this.

But also, what happens if they win the title, are him and Russ lifers together in OKC? Could he possibly bring a title to OKC and then split for WAS, GS, or LAL?  This is a very unique spot for him to be in.  I’ve been a Sonics/Thunder fan since the Gary Payton/Shawn Kemp/Detlef Schrempf days and although I admittedly jumped off the bandwagon when KD signed with Jay-Z and the "KD is not nice" advertising movement came out (I was a big fan of KD’s humbleness and devotion to "God"{Whatever that is to you or anyone else} but that has taken a back seat to his marketability and his image) and threw my undenying support to the T’wolves who have a very bright future if they can keep their young stars in the land of lakes.

I’ll make a few predictions that mean nothing:

If they choke and blow the 3-1 lead to GSW he bolts out of town.  Gut tells me it’d be to LAL

If they make the finals and Lebron beats them again, he signs a short term deal with no restriction after 2017 and gives it another go in OKC

If they win the title, him and Russ commit to each other and they stay in OKC for at least another long term contract each.

Personally I hope for the latter.  I think with KD and Russ you have a two headed monster that might have only been matched by MJ and Scottie.  Although I think the Kanter long term contract isn’t ideal he’s an elite scorer as a big who still has time to develop defensively.  Ibaka took a team friendly deal last time and given his suddenly diminsihing role, I imagine he’d be apt to do so again to stay with Thunder Buddies.  And their young guys of Adams, Payne, McGary, and Roberson have all had flashes and look posied to grow into much larger roles moving forward.  If I was in the OKC camp, I’d be trying to trade Kyle Singler for a bag of peanuts (2nd rounder), convince Waiters to stay on a team friendly deal, and shop Nick Collison’s expiring contract for another bag of peanuts.  Regardless this offseason in OKC will be something to watch.

[SubZeroParticipant]

I think regardless of what happens, he signs a one year. I’m a Thunder fan too and I think we’re winning it all this year so fun to my head, I’d say KD’s gonna be here for a long time.

If he does leave though, he’s going to the East.

[SubZeroParticipant]

I think regardless of what happens, he signs a one year. I’m a Thunder fan too and I think we’re winning it all this year so fun to my head, I’d say KD’s gonna be here for a long time.

If he does leave though, he’s going to the East.

[J-rueMykelParticipant]

I hope KD stays in OKC.  He entrenched himself in the community and him leaving would feel a lot like Lebron’s decision to take his talents to South Beach to the people in OKC.  

I just think LBJ is poised to take back the best basketball player title, the media has so cleverly awarded to Steph.  Stephs great but if he isn’t making shots it’s hard for him to impact a game.  LBJ has been so good for so long that we’ve actually become accustomed to his greatness and fully expect it, and the only time he is newsworthy is when he is not performing at the highest level.  He turned it up a notch last year in the finals and made a series against a great GSW team with JR Smith as the 2nd best player on his team, with a healthy Love & Irving I expect him to will his third ring, although I’ll be rooting for whichever western conference team makes it.

I think going to the east would make a lot of sense, but I think with Jay-Z influence Los Angeles feels like the destination of choice.  Maybe NYK could be a landing spot, but I’m not sure what their cap space looks like, maybe they do a sign and trade and OKC gets back a little something someithing. 

I don’t really buy the going back home to WAS ploy that is popular in NBA circles, I just don’t see the allure for KD that a huge market like LAL (or NYK) would provide.  

The more I think about it I think you’re right in that there is almost no chance he doesn’t come back for at least one year given the success with new coach B.Donovan and Russ’s contractual obligation.  Either way let’s just hope they win the ship!!!

[J-rueMykelParticipant]

I hope KD stays in OKC.  He entrenched himself in the community and him leaving would feel a lot like Lebron’s decision to take his talents to South Beach to the people in OKC.  

I just think LBJ is poised to take back the best basketball player title, the media has so cleverly awarded to Steph.  Stephs great but if he isn’t making shots it’s hard for him to impact a game.  LBJ has been so good for so long that we’ve actually become accustomed to his greatness and fully expect it, and the only time he is newsworthy is when he is not performing at the highest level.  He turned it up a notch last year in the finals and made a series against a great GSW team with JR Smith as the 2nd best player on his team, with a healthy Love & Irving I expect him to will his third ring, although I’ll be rooting for whichever western conference team makes it.

I think going to the east would make a lot of sense, but I think with Jay-Z influence Los Angeles feels like the destination of choice.  Maybe NYK could be a landing spot, but I’m not sure what their cap space looks like, maybe they do a sign and trade and OKC gets back a little something someithing. 

I don’t really buy the going back home to WAS ploy that is popular in NBA circles, I just don’t see the allure for KD that a huge market like LAL (or NYK) would provide.  

The more I think about it I think you’re right in that there is almost no chance he doesn’t come back for at least one year given the success with new coach B.Donovan and Russ’s contractual obligation.  Either way let’s just hope they win the ship!!!

[daggers818Participant]

Hey J-rue, good post, I think you are spot on.  As a big Laker fan, the thread I’m hanging onto is your theory of a GSW comeback that so depresses KD that he bolts.  Unfortunately for Laker fans, I really can’t see this happening, and if it does, I’ll be happily shocked.

In answering the "gun to my head" question, I think he takes the 1 + 1 (player option) like Lebron has, keeps his options open for one more year, and maximizes his ultimate payday with the rising cap.  The only risk I see there is, of course, career ending injury (he has had prior foot problems) and having to endure another year of speculation though imo it has been relatively benign compared to the LBJ fiasco, so maybe that’s not such a big deal.

[J-rueMykelParticipant]

a lineup of

D. Russel
K. Durant
B. Ingram
J. Randle
Whatever FA center wants to be part of the NEXT LAL revolution?

or a small ball lineup of 

D. Russel
J. Clarkson
B. Ingram
K. Durant
J. Randle

Thats pretty scary looking moving forward, no?

 

[daggers818Participant]

 Yes, for sure I would be excited about that as a fan, but I still think it’s a dream.  I hope I’m wrong.

[daggers818Participant]

 Yes, for sure I would be excited about that as a fan, but I still think it’s a dream.  I hope I’m wrong.

[TheWhiteLionParticipant]

 Of course that’s scary, every team with KD is scary but if u really look at it I think the Thunder rn would beat them in a 7 game series 8-9 times out of ten. The Thunder are clearly a better team if u look at it the way below and they already have chemistry there, so y screw it up and go to LA. and LA also doesnt have a coach and their front office isnt great

RWB>Russell

Roberson=Clarkson

KD>Ingram

Ibaka<KD

Adams>Randle

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TheWhiteLionParticipant]

 Of course that’s scary, every team with KD is scary but if u really look at it I think the Thunder rn would beat them in a 7 game series 8-9 times out of ten. The Thunder are clearly a better team if u look at it the way below and they already have chemistry there, so y screw it up and go to LA. and LA also doesnt have a coach and their front office isnt great

RWB>Russell

Roberson=Clarkson

KD>Ingram

Ibaka<KD

Adams>Randle

 

 

 

 

 

 

[J-rueMykelParticipant]

a lineup of

D. Russel
K. Durant
B. Ingram
J. Randle
Whatever FA center wants to be part of the NEXT LAL revolution?

or a small ball lineup of 

D. Russel
J. Clarkson
B. Ingram
K. Durant
J. Randle

Thats pretty scary looking moving forward, no?

 

[daggers818Participant]

Hey J-rue, good post, I think you are spot on.  As a big Laker fan, the thread I’m hanging onto is your theory of a GSW comeback that so depresses KD that he bolts.  Unfortunately for Laker fans, I really can’t see this happening, and if it does, I’ll be happily shocked.

In answering the "gun to my head" question, I think he takes the 1 + 1 (player option) like Lebron has, keeps his options open for one more year, and maximizes his ultimate payday with the rising cap.  The only risk I see there is, of course, career ending injury (he has had prior foot problems) and having to endure another year of speculation though imo it has been relatively benign compared to the LBJ fiasco, so maybe that’s not such a big deal.

[CavFanPRParticipant]

As others have mentioned, he’ll sign a 1 year contract extention with a player option, since the cap hikes once again in the 2017 offseason.

[CavFanPRParticipant]

As others have mentioned, he’ll sign a 1 year contract extention with a player option, since the cap hikes once again in the 2017 offseason.

[Lebron’s HairlineParticipant]

 That lakers team would give up a 120 plus points a game

[Lebron’s HairlineParticipant]

 That lakers team would give up a 120 plus points a game

[circumlocution75Participant]

 & by "Prime" I mean 29 or under………… DeRozan is Not leaving Toronto; KD is Not leaving OKC…..

Every year we Hype the Free Agent class up & Nothing Ever happens….. b/c No player who is Sane is going to take Less $$$$ to play for a Worse team……..

 

DeRozan can take $75 Million to play & compete for a Conference Championship….. or he can take $60 Million to Lose 60 games next year w/ the Lakers…..

W/ Spurs Vanquished & Golden State on the verge…… OKC could win Multiple Rings….. Why would KD leave that & for LESS $$$$

 

 

 

 

[circumlocution75Participant]

 & by "Prime" I mean 29 or under………… DeRozan is Not leaving Toronto; KD is Not leaving OKC…..

Every year we Hype the Free Agent class up & Nothing Ever happens….. b/c No player who is Sane is going to take Less $$$$ to play for a Worse team……..

 

DeRozan can take $75 Million to play & compete for a Conference Championship….. or he can take $60 Million to Lose 60 games next year w/ the Lakers…..

W/ Spurs Vanquished & Golden State on the verge…… OKC could win Multiple Rings….. Why would KD leave that & for LESS $$$$

 

 

 

 

[circumlocution75Participant]

 & by "Prime" I mean 29 or under………… DeRozan is Not leaving Toronto; KD is Not leaving OKC…..

Every year we Hype the Free Agent class up & Nothing Ever happens….. b/c No player who is Sane is going to take Less $$$$ to play for a Worse team……..

 

DeRozan can take $75 Million to play & compete for a Conference Championship….. or he can take $60 Million to Lose 60 games next year w/ the Lakers…..

W/ Spurs Vanquished & Golden State on the verge…… OKC could win Multiple Rings….. Why would KD leave that & for LESS $$$$

 

 

 

 

[J-rueMykelParticipant]

Lots of players have done what you’re saying DeRozan and KD won’t

LBJ to Miami in 2010
Chris Bosh to Miami in 2010
Rashard Lewis to Orlando in 2007
Vince Carter to New Jersey in 2004
Chris Webber to Sacramento in 2001 
Tracy McGrady to Orlando in 2000
Shaq to LAL in 1996

Funny side note, 3 of those players left Toronto for greener pastures.  Toronto will always have a hard time keeping their studs, that much is factually proven.
 

[J-rueMykelParticipant]

Lots of players have done what you’re saying DeRozan and KD won’t

LBJ to Miami in 2010
Chris Bosh to Miami in 2010
Rashard Lewis to Orlando in 2007
Vince Carter to New Jersey in 2004
Chris Webber to Sacramento in 2001 
Tracy McGrady to Orlando in 2000
Shaq to LAL in 1996

Funny side note, 3 of those players left Toronto for greener pastures.  Toronto will always have a hard time keeping their studs, that much is factually proven.
 

[circumlocution75Participant]

 & by "Prime" I mean 29 or under………… DeRozan is Not leaving Toronto; KD is Not leaving OKC…..

Every year we Hype the Free Agent class up & Nothing Ever happens….. b/c No player who is Sane is going to take Less $$$$ to play for a Worse team……..

 

DeRozan can take $75 Million to play & compete for a Conference Championship….. or he can take $60 Million to Lose 60 games next year w/ the Lakers…..

W/ Spurs Vanquished & Golden State on the verge…… OKC could win Multiple Rings….. Why would KD leave that & for LESS $$$$

 

 

 

 

[J-rueMykelParticipant]

Given the income tax in Canada, 75 million there is not 75 million elsewhere.  Also, is it not a recruiting edge to operate in a state like Texas where there is no state income tax? Shouldn’t that be a playing field that is leveled, like couldn’t all NBA teams officially operate out of the league headquarters to nullify that recruiting tool?

I personally think DeRozan is as good as gone, and if LAL strikes out on the "Summer of KD" (I think you’re right about him even if you’re wrong about DeRozan) and there is a good chance LAL brings the california kid back home and his on court thug buddy Biyombo over too, which would be a monumental error in my opinon, but I believe Buss is a poor decision maker and it’s time to pay his brother in law Phil Jackson to come save the franchise.

Not sure if you mean that the Spurs are vanquished and GS on the verge for solely this year, but I promise you, getting out of the West with SAS, GSW, LAC, won’t be easy in the near future, and with rising superstars like AD, and the T-Wolve dynamic duo (Towns and Wiggins) it won’t be getting easier anytime soon.  

But to completely nullify your post I’ll leave you with the fact that a prime LBJ, left what many consider his hometown to take his talents to South Beach at what I believe was age 26 if i remember correctly, I’ll grant you that it doesn’t happen often but there are cases where it does.  See Shaq circa mid 90’s also.

Sometise contractual limitations are outweighed by opportunity to generate income in other industries.

Los Angeles has some bright lights. 

[J-rueMykelParticipant]

Given the income tax in Canada, 75 million there is not 75 million elsewhere.  Also, is it not a recruiting edge to operate in a state like Texas where there is no state income tax? Shouldn’t that be a playing field that is leveled, like couldn’t all NBA teams officially operate out of the league headquarters to nullify that recruiting tool?

I personally think DeRozan is as good as gone, and if LAL strikes out on the "Summer of KD" (I think you’re right about him even if you’re wrong about DeRozan) and there is a good chance LAL brings the california kid back home and his on court thug buddy Biyombo over too, which would be a monumental error in my opinon, but I believe Buss is a poor decision maker and it’s time to pay his brother in law Phil Jackson to come save the franchise.

Not sure if you mean that the Spurs are vanquished and GS on the verge for solely this year, but I promise you, getting out of the West with SAS, GSW, LAC, won’t be easy in the near future, and with rising superstars like AD, and the T-Wolve dynamic duo (Towns and Wiggins) it won’t be getting easier anytime soon.  

But to completely nullify your post I’ll leave you with the fact that a prime LBJ, left what many consider his hometown to take his talents to South Beach at what I believe was age 26 if i remember correctly, I’ll grant you that it doesn’t happen often but there are cases where it does.  See Shaq circa mid 90’s also.

Sometise contractual limitations are outweighed by opportunity to generate income in other industries.

Los Angeles has some bright lights. 

[OaktownWarriorsParticipant]

 if they lose in Oakland…..homeboy is gone!

[OaktownWarriorsParticipant]

 if they lose in Oakland…..homeboy is gone!

[Author]

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