We’re learning a bit more about Kevin Durant’s free agency timeline.
Kevin Durant will meet with his current team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, on Thursday, according to league sources.
NBA rules preclude any team — even the incumbent Thunder — from discussing contract specifics with Durant or any free agent before 12:01 a.m. on July 1. Thursday’s discussions with his current employer, however, are more likely to be focused on team direction and broader topics to meet league guidelines.
He will then fly to New York to meet with the remaining five teams on his list over the first few days of July. His first meeting on the morning of July 1 will be with the Golden State Warriors.
Durant, the most coveted free agent on the market, will also meet with the San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers.
Sources tell ESPN that the Spurs’ meeting with Durant is Saturday, and he will meet with the Heat on July 3.
No specifics on the Celtics but I gotta think they get their shot on Friday afternoon. Or maybe it’s better to have the last word when pitching free agents. I don’t know how these situations work because the Celtics are never in these situations. It’s important to note that even though they are begging for a meeting, Durant will not sit down with the Lakers.
Bovada has placed some odds on the Durant sweepstakes:
- Thunder 1/6
- Warriors 4/1
- Heat 12/1
- Knicks 14/1
- Spurs 16/1
- Celtics 20/1
- Clippers 50/1
The Knicks haven’t even secured a meeting and they have better odds than Boston? What a joke…
And here are the odds for Dwight Howard (gulp):
- Boston Celtics 10/11
- Atlanta Hawks 3/2
- Houston Rockets 10/1
- Any Other Team 5/2
From what I can tell, most fans are opposed to Howard siging in Boston. But many media members see it differently
The Dwight Howard hate eludes me. Is he a four-year max player? No. Would I sign him at 12:01 Friday to a more reasonable deal? Absolutely.
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixYS) June 29, 2016
