Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant hits free agency at the end of the current season. Many have predicted the 2014 Most Valuable Player will either sign an extension with the Thunder or sign a deal with his hometown team the Washington Wizards.
While both options seem plausible, a better choice – arguably the best choice for Durant would be the Boston Celtics – who will likely also be competing with the majority of the league to attain his services.
A signing with the Celtics for Durant would both benefit himself and the historic franchise. The Celtics currently sit in the top eight in the Eastern conference and are playoff bound for a second year in a row, even after taking severe blows in the last couple of years which include head coach Doc Rivers signing with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2014 and superstars Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2013.
The Boston Celtics, who many considered to be a rebuild team for many years are now a playoff contender in the Eastern conference and are one superstar away from being a championship contender.
Kevin Durant would be the missing piece.
While the Oklahoma City Thunder have an MVP-calibre superstar in Russell Westbrook and solid players such as Serge Ibaka and Steven Adams, their bench lacks depth. While Cameron Payne has potential and Enes Kanter is a good rebounder, the rest of the bench is average at best.
Dion Waiters has yet to find himself and adjust to his role as sixth man, Kyle Singler has been in poor form and the rest of the bench does not match up well against the other top teams in the league.
The starters, especially Durant and Westbrook are run into the ground which results in the Thunder struggling in the fourth as they have a lack of options and their stars are worn out.
However, the Celtics bench has great depth. Kelly Olynk, Evan Turner and Marcus Smart are all solid bench pieces and contribute to the Celtics success. The addition of Durant would provide much needed depth to the small forward position. The small forward position on the Celtics is the most lacking position containing Jae Crowder and James Young. While Crowder has had a good season, Durant would be a sizeable improvement and Crowder could provide scoring and defence off the bench.
Something the Celtics have that both the Wizards and Thunder don’t have is also a variety of draft picks. In the upcoming draft alone, the Celtics hold their own first round draft pick, the likely high lottery pick of the Brooklyn Nets and the Dallas Mavericks’ first rounder. With a variety of picks and cap space, the Celtics have a chance to make some noise next season.
The Celtics, while only in the bottom half of the top eight in the Eastern conference, they are not far out from a top-four spot and have shown themselves more than capable of handling the contenders. They have defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and other contenders.
The addition of Durant would help the Celtics become a contender and give them a bonafide superstar to carry the scoring. A superstar to lead the Celtics is what has been missing. While Isaiah Thomas is a terrific player and an All Star, to compete for a title, a team needs a superstar to lead them. Kevin Durant would provide this for the Celtics and be a consistent scorer and provide great leadership for the young team.
The Celtics have a great future ahead and can offer Kevin Durant the best possible situation. They offer a bench with great depth, an intelligent coach in Brad Stevens and an organisation with a multitude of draft picks and a determination to win.
What do you think? Are the Boston Celtics the best situation for Kevin Durant or the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Washington Wizards? Or do you think another team entirely?
pete bloor
Guest
Another question can they keep their depth and sign two max players? More than half of their minutes played are off contract according to hoops hype. (hence the “cap space”) Contracted salaries are around 28m. Sullinger and Zeller are restricted free agents so you can control that with qualifying offers and cap holds of around 12m combined and if ping pong balls fall in line with standings they’ll have another 6.5m that’s 46.5m in cap space taken up (that’s before a cheeky sub 2m in second rounders that I’m sure they’d off load if they had to) Durant is going to be about 27m if the cap jumps to 89m, so that leaves a touch under 16m versus max salaries starting at 22m for Whiteside. Do we really think that no one is going to throw a contract worth at least 80% of the Max at Hassan, especially given the cap goes up again next year by another ~20-25%? I can’t see those top centres going for 16m unless they get injured between now and then and you ask Durant to take a flier on an injured second banana. Even then to get that room you have tor enounce the rights to (effectively lose) Crowder (3rd mins), Turner (4th), Johnson (6th), Jerebko (9th) and Lee (11th). So if you do somehow get Whiteside to sign for massive unders you’d have a rotation of Smith/Bradley/Durant/Sullinger/Whiteside Zeller, Smart, Olynyk and a bunch of rookies. Is that a great amount of depth Is that a contender in the next two years? Even if you pass on the top tier centre and just focus on retaining depth you’ll still lose a lot fo fornt court depth in Johnson, Jerebko and Lee sue to their cap holds.
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
I'm in the same boat, most of my friends do not care for basketball and I've loved talking with everyone in the comments in relation to the Kevin Durant situation. I'm a Thunder fan myself and would rather him not leave, but in terms of evaluating the situation, I wouldn't hate him if he left and I think he has a much better situation if he opts to sign with Boston.
pete bloor
Guest
Sorry I meant Thomas, somewhere in between my head and fingers I converted Thomas into Ish Smith. I never realised I subconsciously hated Thomas! The Celtics are a good team in a great spot, but you’ve still not given me anything that says the bench depth is so good that it can overcome the difference in starters that are playing 2 to 3 times the minutes in a late playoff series when history has shown the contrary. Celtics are a mid 3 points better than their opposition team, that’s great. The Thunder, without Durant on the floor are a low to mid 7 points better than their opposition. That’s a huge readily observable gap in how good the two potential supporting casts are. The Celtics roster to me is asset rich and positioned for a "potential" step to the elite in 2-5 years from now, which probability weighted is a needless risk for Durant. Funny you pick those Bulls team’s that “rode” Rose and lacked depth – those were actually teams that had a massive bench advantage and rode it to first seeds when Rose was off the floor because they had a second unit no other second unit could score on in 10-11 and 11-12 (Rose +/- per 100 possessions 5.9/4.9 vs team averages of 8/9.1). That it couldn’t overcome its starter going down highlights depth will not get to get you through the playoffs against superior starters. In cooking terms (because it’s the only thing seemingly on tv more than sport) your starters are the protein, depth is the garnish. If your steak is tasteless and overcooked the best Paris mash in the world isn’t going to save it. The Cavs comparison is still massively flawed as the difference in 2-5 starter quality vs other contenders was higher than the difference in bench depth. The “depth” problem started when Mo Williams was the second best player. Anything that has Russell Westbrook = Mo Williams other than where to look in the alphabet needs some serious revision. Also remember that the main guy then went and joined a team with two stars and a razor thin bench and grabbed a couple of titles. So again to me it’s a horrible example of why you join a “depth side” over a better starting line up.
Steele
Guest
My pleasure, none of my mates are into basketball so it's nice to have a platform to chat about a game I'm becoming more and more interested in. I should state I'm an OKC fan, so my views are completely bias! I just don't want KD to leave.
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
I agree that Payne will progress. He has a bright future and was a nice acquisition by the Thunder. They are a good team but I don't see the Thunder pushing much further. As you said, the Spurs and Warriors share their conference and there are a lot of up and coming teams. While Boston do not have Weatbrook, who is a player I love to watch and is a total machine out on the court, the Celtics do have more depth and players with bright futures, draft picks and the ability to sign another max contract with Durant, possibly landing a rim protector such as Horford or Whiteside. Maybe even Dwight Howard. The Celtics with their depth, quality players, coaching staff, draft picks and cap space provide a better overall situation and future situation than the Thunder. Thank you for reading my article by the way and leaving a comment, I appreciate it.
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
I hope Durant picks a smart situation as well instead of money, that would be disappointing. I agree a lot of teams will be going after Durant in the free agency. A combo of Melo, Durant and Porzingis does sound formidable, however their bench and the rest of the team would not provide them any help because, as you said, they are all over the shop. Thanks for reading my article as well and leaving a comment!
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
The Celtics depth consists of Thomas, Sullinger, Bradley, Amir Johnson and Crowder getting the big minutes. I don't know why you put Smith in there. I used the Cleveland side as an example as while Lebron was good enough to carry his team through the playoffs, he had no help. The Thunder, while not nearly as bad as them are lacking options on the bench when you compare them to the Celtics. Both situations are good but in terms of depth, conference, ability to win rings for years to come the Celtics are a better pick. The Thunder could pursue bench options but they would need some cap to pick up some bench options that will actually contribute what they need. I do agree teams ride their stars during the playoffs especially towards the end, this can result in major injuries such as the horrific injury Derrick Rose suffered a few years back against the 76ers. This was a good example of a team riding on their superstar and after injury, they lacked the depth to get past the first round even though they were the number 1 seed. Depth can provide fresh players to come off the bench to help out in the playoffs and while the Celtics aren't going to get anywhere without a superstar, if they add Durant and quite possibly a rim protector in Dwight, Whiteside or Horford, they will contend. The Thunder and Celtics both have good situations but I beleive with the players, coaching staff, draft picks and cap space, the Celtics will provide a much better position for Durant now and in years to come.
pete bloor
Guest
The importance of bench depth is incredibly exaggerated in the playoffs. Teams shorten their rotation and ride their stars during the playoffs, even more so at the pointy end. The Warriors and Spurs both played their best five more often in the playoffs than in they did in the regular season. They didn’t win because of their bench they won because the 5 player who played the most were very good. (PS you can’t use that cleveland side they had no bench and no starter help – it was one guy in a horrible conference) Is bench depth positive – sure but it only makes a difference if your starters can at least hang with the other side for the mid 30+ minutes to allow for the benches ~15miutes to take effect. So I look at the two sides and I just can’t see why you pick smith/Bradley/sullinger/[insert centre here] for big minutes each. Even allowing for depth as the cure for all that ails you ask this is it easier to build depth or to get a superstar? If I’m looking at two situations and one is just another superstar short and the other two or three bench guys, I’m backing the one with bench guy problem to be able to fix it.
Steele
Guest
I hope he stays put. The team lacks depth, however that can change in the offseason. And Payne will progress with another year under his belt. If Golden State and the Spurs weren't so dominant, the thunder would be getting more Kudos. They are still a very good side with championship aspirations. Personally I think he has more chance of a title by staying put compared to going to Boston. As good as you make it sound, they don't have Westbrook suiting up for them.
Hamish Hutton
Roar Rookie
I think anyone is a possible destination for Durant, Boston do provide a good situation but other teams with massive money stores like the New York knicks may attract Durant. Its possible also that Carmelo Anthony would take a pay cut to bring in someone like Durant so that they can make a run for the title. The Knicks are all over the shop at the moment to be fair but a - Melo, Porzingis, Durant combo would be fairly frightening. I do hope though that Durant chooses a smart situation rather than going for cash dollar.
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Thank you, I appreciate your comment and reading my article. Bench depth, I believe is key in the playoffs. Although some may argue superstars are more important (and I agree, they are important) if a star has an off game or is injured, such as Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love were last NBA Finals, the chances of winning the playoffs without bench depth is slim. The Warriors and Spurs have both won due to a mixture of bench depth and superstars. However, while teams may come close such as Lebron with the Cavs in the late 2000's, a team is unlikely to win without a good mixture of bench and superstars. The Celtics have a much better bench than the Thunder and while the Thunder have considerably more star power with Westbrook, their bench is lacking. I can see where you're coming from though. However, with Isaiah Thomas, Durant, Bradley and a likely chance at picking up a star centre, either Whiteside, Horford or possibly Dwight, the Celtics provide a good short term situation and an even better long term situation for Durant than the Thunder
pete bloor
Guest
Problem is that bench depth is more relevant in getting to the playoffs than winning once your there. I’m not sure you’re going to convince Durant that down grading on your two best teammates (one of whom you’re incredibly close to and just went big O at the back end of consecutive seasons) for bench depth is the way he improves his chances of winning a title. In reality the odds are against the Celtics turning those picks into a combo of Russ and Ibaka, even if they make the right draft picks they are going to be 4-5 years away from becoming those players. Does Durant want to baby sit 4-5 years? I think Durant dramatically improves the Celtics championship chances but it’s hard to say that the Celtics dramatically improve Durant’s outside of the benefit of playing in the east (which is still weaker right at the top even if the middle ahs caught up). Now if the Celtics sign another top tier player then the whole situation changes, but otherwise his best chances remain on the Thunder for the immediate future.
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Boston could attempt to make a deal for Klay Thompson. However, Golden State tried to offload him before his breakout season for Kevin Love. Now that he is playing at a higher level and considering how the Warriors are playing thanks to Curry and Klay, I think they are both untouchable. Golden State I don't think are after picks rather players to put around their core to help them keep making title runs.
Greg
Guest
I hope you are joking swampy. Gsw wanting to trade Klay haha!
Swampy
Guest
Boston would be best to try swing for the fences I agree. If I was Danny Ainge I'd test Philly out and try swap picks (if they fall as expected) and then make a big move for a star. For what Boston do and how they play I'd try and get Klay Thompson. GSW tried to offload him once so maybe for the right deal they'd do it again. Plus he wouldn't involve trading half the team away. GSW would love a pile of picks and a Boston glue guy
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Firstly, thanks for leaving a comment and checking out my article. I appreciate it. Secondly, I beleive the Celtics have the ability to make it through the East this season though there are a number of teams to challenge them. The Cavs, Hawks and Raptors will be challenging for the Celtics and I do not think they'll get past the semi finals this year. Though out of the East, I believe the Celtics have the most potential. The free agency and draft could potentially bolster the Celtics and turn them into a title contender. They have the ability to sign two stars and will likely chase a star centre, likely Al Horford, Hassan Whiteside or possibly Dwight Howard. The Celtics are in a good position to really make some noise in the coming years.
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
I believe if Boston were to trade Brooklyn's pick, they could acquire a good talent. I would love to see Al Horford go to the Celtics as I believe he would fit in their system well. And I agree, Boston have done a terrific job at rebuilding so quickly. They could make a real splash this free agency and could acquire Durant as well as another star player which will probably be a centre, maybe Whiteside or Horford. Or maybe even Dwight Howard. The possibility for Durant to sign a one year deal with OKC is also high as he might not be readily happy with any offers that come his way and might need another year to reassess his situation. Thanks for reading the article and leaving a comment, I really appreciate it.
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
If the Lakers make the right moves and manage to secure the number 1 pick and draft Ben Simmons whilst picking up some good free agents, I agree they could manage a quick rebuild. Los Angeles has always been a popular destination for free agents and some all star players may decide to sign there. If they managed to secure Durant, though it seems unlikely based on Durant's comments about the rumour, they could become a formidable team in a short period of time.
Swampy
Guest
Good reply. I hate the Lakers btw. I 'fear' they may attract him. And they will get rid of Byron Scott as soon as they stock their team up. However, to me as a prime of career superstar, LA would be a very attractive proposal. Their roster is going to be looking good if they added a Durant. No doubt they will get the frozen/weighted ping pong balls in the lottery and could very likely grab Ben Simmons (it's ridiculous that anyone thinks he is not worth no.1). In that position I think Clarkson becomes expendable for a guy like Hassan Whiteside/Rudy Gobert or maybe even a Robin Lopez. Lakers could have a starting unit of Russell, Williams (or insert gunner here), Simmons, Durant and say Lopez. As a team that looks good. As good as the Thunder anyway
Rarojuice
Guest
Assuming Durant doesnt do a one year deal with OKC. Boston is actually one of the top desinations I believe for Durant. They have enough Cap Space to sign two max players and also have ability to trade for another star player with the unearthly amount of draft picks they own. Boston could sign Durant as well as a rim protecting centre - Al Horford maybe, and then trade for additonal help on the wing. Having Durent alone will defintly put them in title contention. Regardless if Boston get KD or not they have done a tremendous job rebuilding.