Kevin Durant will soon have to make the biggest decision of his career, and the Oklahoma City Thunder star knows he has to be careful about who he solicits advice from.
In his exit interview on Wednesday, Durant was asked if he will speak to Russell Westbrook when trying to decide if he is staying in OKC.
“It’s kind of hard to talk to one of my teammates,” he said, as transcribed by Dan Feldman of Pro Basketball Talk. “Obviously, we’ve been through a lot. We know each other very, very well. But it’s one of these things where I just, I’ve just got to hear from me and hear what I want and talk to myself on what I need and how I can make this thing work for myself and just try to be selfish a bit.
“Obviously, I want to ask for advice. But also, I want to make the decision that’s best for me. I’m sure at some point, me and Russell will sit down and talk.”
Westbrook is under contract with the Thunder for another season, so it’s pretty obvious what he would say to Durant. If Durant leaves, OKC is no longer a championship contender. Of course Westbrook is going to tell him to stay.
“But he’s put no pressure on me,” Durant added. “He’s been just great in this whole thing and just being my friend, and I think that’s one thing I needed throughout the whole year, throughout this whole process, is just people to be my friend and worry about me as a person.”
There’s a good chance Durant will sign a two-year contract with the Thunder with an opt-out clause after the first season. That way, he can reassess his situation next summer and cash in on the huge salary cap increase that is forthcoming. And if they wanted, Durant and Westbrook could make a joint decision at that point.
The comments Durant made after the Thunder were eliminated made should make Thunder fans feel optimistic. Although, players from other teams are already trying to recruit K.D. It’s going to feel like a lifetime before free agency officially begins on July 1.
