Kevin Durant says he likes Boston’s family atmosphere, compliments Celtics

Kevin Durant will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Celtics can create max cap space.

Quick, Kevin, say something that will cause Boston fans to overreact.

Durant, via CSN New England:

I’ve been watching this team a lot, and they’re scrappy. They play hard. They love their coach. They love their system. And especially in this building they play with a lot of energy.

Before this game, I was hoping that everything goes well our last game so I could finally play here. It’s been three years since I played, so, looking forward to it. They’re some of the best fans in the world and definitely support their team. So, I’m looking forward to it.

I like the city a lot. I like the city a lot. It’s cold, but they love sports here. It’s a family atmosphere I feel when I walk around the city. So, yeah, I like it a lot.

Celtics fans can fantasize about Durant signing with Boston if the want. Just remember, it wasn’t that long ago Durant was singing New York’s praises. Now, he has reportedly already eliminated the Knicks. You can enjoy a city without wanting to play there.

Durant could sign with the Warriors, who are the NBA’s best team. Or he could re-sign with the Thunder, who feature his friend and one of the league’s top players – Russell Westbrook – and could pay him the most money.

But if Durant is thinking ahead, the Celtics could make sense. They have young talent, a treasure trove of future first-round picks (including a few from the lowly Nets) and an excellent coach in Brad Stevens. Boston has the assets to quickly build a team around Durant that contends for years to come.

I wouldn’t interpret Durant’s comments to mean he’ll sign with the Celtics. But if I were Boston, I’d certainly prefer he speak highly of my team than the opposite.