The Washington Wizards’ offseason has them set to compete in the lackluster Eastern Conference for years to come, but their real prize could vault them into elite status. The Wizards believe they are in play to sign Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant in 2016.
J. Michael of CSNWashington believes that the Wizards are starting to map out a way to land the Washington, D.C. native when his free agency period begins in two summers. The signing of Paul Pierce combined with allowing Trevor Ariza to walk is part of a bigger scheme that ends with Washington pursuing the reigning MVP.
“Trevor Ariza left for $8 million per year to the Houston Rockets, which is surprising to some in receiving a four-year deal. The reason the Wizards passed? Persons with knowledge of the situation told CSNwashington.com that he wanted $10 million and the Wizards wouldn’t budge because they have an eye toward 2016 free agency and wanted to keep flexibility with the salary cap. In other words, Kevin Durant.
But make no mistake, this isn’t conjecture anymore. It’s real. The hiring of David Adkins, who coached Durant in high school, from the University of Maryland’s women’s team as assistant coach to player development for the Wizards this past week isn’t a coincidence.
The building blocks are being put in place now. Ariza is off the books and Porter, who is playing on a rookie scale contract, is a much cheaper option. Nene, who will make $26 million for the next two seasons, will be off the books as well.”
The Wizards have created the cap space by losing Ariza and have the home-court advantage that could appeal to Durant. The five-time All-Star has two years remaining on his contract with the Thunder, but besides his current deal, there are many things that will come into play when Durant makes his decision.
The Thunder are a prime contender in the Western Conference and only look up to the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs. Oklahoma City is primed to be the next power house in the west as the clock is ticking on the Spurs aging talent. Durant has two years until he becomes a free agent but if he were to decide to come home, he would form a scary trio with John Wall and Marcin Gortat.
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