Kevin Durant was reportedly set to meet with the Thunder today, but I figured it’d happen closer to midnight.
That way, Oklahoma City wouldn’t so blatantly skirt NBA rules banning teams from negotiating with free agents until July 1 (even their own free agents).
But Durant has already arrived at the arena, greeted by general manager Sam Presti and assistant general manager Troy Weaver.
Keaton Fox of Fox 25:
So it begins. #okcthunder https://t.co/Lz0FGYqQ7T
— Keaton Fox (@keatonfox) June 30, 2016
Marc Stein of ESPN:
ESPN sources say the Thunder, meeting with Kevin Durant as we speak, are also seeking to land a follow-up sitdown with KD in the Hamptons.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 30, 2016
OKC's hope, I'm told, is making one last pitch to KD in the Hamptons after the Warriors, Clippers, Spurs, Celtics and Heat get their turns.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 30, 2016
Durant is still under contract with the Thunder another day, so he can show up at their arena. Maybe he’s just there to work out (wink, wink). I doubt anyone will investigate whether Oklahoma City is breaking league rules. Glass houses and such.
But maybe my attempting to at least toe the line today and limit discussions, the Thunder convince Durant another meeting is necessary.
I wouldn’t want Pat Riley getting the last word, either.