NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant Will Likely Leave Oklahoma City Thunder This Summer

Kevin Durant could leave the Oklahoma City Thunder if he becomes a free agent after the 2015-16 NBA season. [Source: Wikimedia / Keith Allison / CC]
Kevin Durant could leave the Oklahoma City Thunder if he becomes a free agent after the 2015-16 NBA season. [Source: Wikimedia / Keith Allison / CC]
Kevin Durant could change zip codes next summer as a respected broadcaster revealed the former NBA Most Valuable Player will likely leave the Oklahoma City Thunder in the offseason.

Joel Meyers, who served as team broadcaster for the Los Angeles Lakers for more than 10 years and is now playing the same role for the New Orleans Pelicans, told SiriusXM NBA Radio on Monday that Durant will leave the Thunder if they do not make it to the NBA Finals this season.

“If they don’t, I’m told if they don’t at least get to the NBA Finals, Durant’s gone,” Durant said via the Oklahoman. “Simple as that. And to the point where he may want his own team.”

Durant, who is averaging 28.1 points on top of 8.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists this season, is expected to become the most coveted free agent in the offseason. The 27-year-old forward has been dodging questions about his plans this summer, but has previously expressed commitment to the Thunder.

However, the eight-year veteran is also looking to win his first NBA title. The high-scoring forward was recently linked to the Golden State Warriors, where he could have the best chance of getting his first championship ring.

NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported earlier this year that the Warriors will be the frontrunners in the race to sign Durant this summer. Wojnarowski also revealed in a separate report that the Warriors are also planning to make a strong push to acquire Durant.

While signing with the Warriors seems to be the most logical move for Durant, Meyers reiterated that the Durant-to-Golden State scenario is still plain speculation at this point because he has been hearing that the former Texas standout still wants to be the main man if he signs with a new team.

“So everybody’s talking about Golden State. There may be other teams coming into the equation for Kevin Durant. He’s the principle. He’s going to be the guy,” Meyers continued. “So from what I’ve been told, it may not be Golden State after all.”

Aside from the Warriors, previous reports also indicated that the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are also expected to pursue Durant. The Washington Wizards were also mentioned as a potential landing spot, as they are expected to convince the Thunder superstar to play for his hometown team.