OKC Thunder Fans Ponder the Possibility of Kevin Durant's Return
With Kyrie Irving's recent trade request, the thought that former Thunder superstar Kevin Durant could be back on the trade market has resurfaced on the internet. While no official reports have appeared since Durant's trade request earlier in the season, it is easy to see why the Nets forward could be in search of a new home as Irving attempts to push his way out of Brooklyn.
There is no report that Durant and OKC have interest in one another, but the history between the two, Oklahoma City's mountain of trade assets and Durant's comments about Thunder all-star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have led fans online to speculate that Durant's return to OKC could be on the horizon.
"No matter what you’re doing on the defensive side of the ball, you just can’t stop what he’s doing," the second overall pick in the 2007 draft said. "It’s hard cause he’s tall, he’s lanky, he plays at his own pace.”
Durant was named a starter in the 2023 All-Star Game and is averaging 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 blocks per contest this season. While the Texas product would undoubtedly add a massive infusion of talent to Oklahoma City's roster, there are multiple reasons that the Thunder may not be keen on bringing the future Hall-of-Famer back to OKC.
Oklahoma City only has one player on the roster who has spent more than five seasons in the league, big man Mike Muscala. Thunder General Manager Sam Presti has always believed in having a veteran on the team to help mentor younger players, and Muscala fills this role for OKC, as does Kenrich Williams.
Having two experienced players on the squad, it is unlikely that Presti brings in another player who doesn't fit Oklahoma City's timeline. Additionally, Durant would likely cut into the natural offensive growth of Gilgeous-Alexander by taking the ball away from the Thunder star.
While a number two option who can score consistently alongside SGA would be a tremendous add for OKC, KD would likely take over as Oklahoma City's number one option as opposed to a piece that can supplement Gilgeous-Alexander.
Many Thunder fans seem to think that a trade for Durant could be achieved with a large number of draft picks. In addition to these picks, OKC would have to give up one of their young cornerstones like Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams or Chet Holmgren.
Durant is a superstar that has the ability to make nearly any team an instant championship contender, even at 34 years-old. For the Thunder, however, the team's future would be better off without a blockbuster trade.
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