The Oklahoma City Thunder are interested in signing another top free agent to potentially pair with Kevin Durant next season, as they are reportedly looking to make a run at Al Horford.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Thunder have been calling teams around the league in an attempt to clear enough salary cap space with the goal being to sign both Durant and Horford.
That makes perfect sense given that the Thunder just traded power forward Serge Ibaka to the Orlando Magic. We all know OKC would not have traded Ibaka if Durant didn’t want it to happen, and Durant was said to be “fine” with the deal. There’s a good chance Durant informed the Thunder that he wants to play with Horford. That’s why a team like the Boston Celtics, who have enough cap space to sign both Durant and Horford, are in the running. The Thunder are likely trying to put themselves in the same position.
Durant is reportedly choosing between these six teams, but the Thunder have an obvious advantage. They were just one win away from the NBA Finals last season, and Durant doesn’t have much to lose by signing a two-year extension with an opt-out clause and revisiting free agency next summer. Russell Westbrook will also be a free agent then, so he and K.D. can make a decision together if they want.
If the Thunder find a way to land Horford, they are probably a lock to re-sign Durant.
