In just over a month, Kevin Durant is set to become the most sought-after free agent since LeBron James in 2010. He’s been mostly circumspect about his intentions, and fans around OKC understood going in that the outcome of this season would likely weigh heavily on that decision. With the Thunder up 2-1 on the defending champs going into Game 4 on Tuesday night, they have to be feeling pretty good about their chances to retain the 2014 MVP.
But that might not be the only thing Oklahoma City has going for it. Having spent his entire career there aside from his rookie season in Seattle, Durant has an obvious affinity for his adopted home town. That’s at least partially because he’s seen firsthand how a professional sports team can revitalize a city. Via Lee Jenkins of SI.com:
“Where I grew up, we were 30 minutes outside of Washington, D.C., but there was never anything new. In Oklahoma City everything is new. We’ve got a new Aloft Hotel up the street. There’s a new arcade, Brickopolis, I want to try. Behind my house all these new town homes are going in, and along the highway out to our facility, they tore down the old car wash and are putting up more new condos.
“I know that’s not a championship. But the championships, the records, the who’s the best player—there will always be new champions and new records and new players. What we’re talking about, these are jobs, these are lives, these are things that will matter for 40 years, and that is very cool to me.”
To be certain a championship is suddenly and exhilaratingly in the mix for the Thunder, and a win in June would ensure Durant signs a lucrative long-term deal to stick around. Still, it’s a healthy perspective to have, and one the people of OKC should share regardless of the outcome of these playoffs or the free agent frenzy this summer.
(SI.com)
