It took just 14 games for the lid to crack on the Kevin Durant free agency rumors.
That's thanks in part to Draymond Green, whose confrontation of Durant on the Golden State Warriors' sideline Monday night led some to conclude this may be Durant's final season in the Bay Area.
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith apparently is one of those people. On his radio show Wednesday, Smith reported that while the Warriors are convinced the All-Star forward isn't going anywhere, he's "hearing differently:" that two teams are the front-runners to sign Durant next summer.
"I'm hearing the (New York) Knicks and the (Los Angeles) Lakers, with the Lakers having the edge. That's what I'm hearing," Smith said, via ESPN.com. "Two weeks ago, I heard the Knicks had the edge. Now, I hear the Lakers have the edge.
"Let me tell you something: It appears to be one of those two teams which is Kevin Durant's next destination. But Golden State is telling me: 'There's no way in hell we believe he's leaving. We believe Kevin Durant's gonna stay.' "
Durant can either pick up the $31.5 million option on his contract to remain with the Warriors next season or try his luck in free agency. It's obviously too early to predict what he'll do, but Smith is pretty plugged into NBA circles, so it's significant he believes Durant won't be a Warrior next season.
Los Angeles and New York present two vastly different scenarios for Durant, though; he'd share a massive spotlight with LeBron James on the Lakers but would be the unquestioned face of the Knicks' franchise if he chose the Big Apple. Then again, if you believe Glen "Big Baby" Davis, KD will spurn both those clubs and sign with the Boston Celtics instead.
Boston Celtics
Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Celtics easily on your device.
NBC SPORTS BOSTON SCHEDULE