Kevin Durant will become an unrestricted free agent in 2016, and this early, several teams are already preparing to make a pitch to acquire the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar.
The Washington Wizards are expected to be one of the teams that will make a strong push to sign Durant in the summer of 2016 if he decides to test free agency.
According to the Washington Post, Wizards All-Star point guard John Wall will actively recruit Durant, a Washington native, to play for his hometown team starting the 2016-17 NBA season.
"I throw a little slick shots here and there. Try something," said Wall, who usually trains together under Rob McClanaghan in Los Angeles every summer.
Durant is not interested in talking about his future plans, but the superstar forward is expected to become the hottest player on the free agent market in 2016.
The Wizards are expected to be among those teams since they are expected to have enough cap space to offer a maximum contract to Durant because only Wall and sophomore guard Bradley Beal could be on their books at that point.
However, the decision of Durant is not expected to be based on money alone as most experts are saying that his loyalty to the Thunder will be a major factor. When asked about the possibility of playing for his hometown team, Durant said that he has yet to think about it and reiterated that he is happy in Oklahoma City.
"I just told you I had to buy 100 tickets. I spent a lot of money on tickets. Imagine if I played here. I don't even want to think about that. I haven't given it any thought, playing up here. I love Oklahoma City. I love coming here and visiting," Durant said in a separate interview with the Washington Post.
Late last week, Durant, who is averaging 31.1 points to go along with 7.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game this season, sounded like he envisions himself playing in Oklahoma City for a long period, probably for his entire career.
"I love playing there. The city fits me," Durant said. "I'm one of those guys that just likes to chill. That's exactly how the town is. The people are supportive. The fans are there all the time at the games. Every game feels like it's a sellout. They just support us so much."
