The Oklahoma City Thunder have a huge upcoming summer on convincing 2014 NBA MVP Kevin Durant on re-signing.
Not to mention his counterpart to the mighty duo, Russell Westbrook is also an upcoming free agent and having both stay in a Thunder uniform is anything from guaranteed.
“I hope he stays in OKC,” Barkley said. “I would love because he’s a terrific player and a terrific kid, I would love to see him stay in OKC his entire career.
“But you know, man, these guys do what they want to do. I wish them all the best, but for some reason they all want to play in big cities like you’re going to be more famous winning in a certain city. If you win a championship in Cleveland, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, you’re going to be just as big. So, I hope he stays in Oklahoma City. I wish him nothing but the best. I just hope he gets healthy.”
Durant is a D.C. native and a return back to his hometown is where majority is speculating he will sign as a Washington Wizard. With a great young backcourt in John Wall and Bradley Beal there are many reasons why this move could make sense.
The Wizards are a player away from owning the Eastern Conference, and a player of Durant’s magnitude and play would conceivably make them the favorite every year.
However, the Thunder will be entering the season fully healthy which hasn’t happened since they lost in the NBA Finals to the Miami Heat in 2012. A healthy Durant, Westbrook and the human eraser Serge Ibaka meshed with a great supporting cast in Enes Kanter, Steven Adams, Dion Waiters, and sharpshooter Anthony Morrow make a favorite to represent the Western Conference.
First year coach Billy Donovan will have a lot on his plate, but his star studded roster could result in a championship which could keep Durant in Oklahoma City long term.