The San Antonio Spurs were one of the few teams that got a meeting with Kevin Durant, and they are hoping he will join them when he announces his decision on Monday. However, most reports surrounding the Thunder superstar indicate the Spurs are not a finalist for Durant’s services. The former MVP is supposedly deciding between the Thunder, Warriors, Celtics and Heat on Independence Day.
If Durant indeed doesn’t choose to go to San Antonio, the Spurs will have to move on to Plan B, which is reportedly Pau Gasol. Gasol to the Spurs has been a rumor for a while now, and even his brother Marc has spoken out on multiple occasions to say he hopes to see Pau play for Gregg Popovich next season.
According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, if and when Durant officially says no to San Antonio, Gasol will likely head to Texas.
Strongest prediction we've got in the midnight hour: Pau Gasol heads to San Antonio if Durant, as expected, chooses Thunder or Warriors
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 4, 2016
The Spurs are not the only team trying to sign the six-time All-Star, though, and Stein’s colleague Chris Broussard is reporting that the Toronto Raptors are battling it out with the Spurs, with Portland still in the running as well.
San Antonio, Toronto, Portland all battling for Pau Gasol. SA & Toronto currently the frontrunners, source says. Blazers not out of it tho
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 4, 2016
Gasol would certainly appear to fit on any of those teams, and while the Spurs probably give him the best shot to win a title, perhaps he is turned off by them wanting to wait on Durant’s decision first, and will opt to head up north or to Rip City.
One way or the other, Durant’s decision will likely set off a domino effect, as this Fourth of July promises to be a bonkers day of NBA free agency.
