The Oklahoma City Thunder have been a dominant force in the NBA in recent years, consistently making deep playoff runs and even reaching the Finals in 2012. However, despite their success, the franchise has yet to win a championship. This year, with a talented roster and a strong start to the season, the Thunder have a real chance of finally taking home the coveted title. And if they do, it will undoubtedly be the biggest moment in the franchise’s history.
But what if they don’t? What if the Thunder once again fall short of their ultimate goal? According to ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, the team should consider making a drastic move – trading for none other than Kevin Durant.
On Monday’s episode of “Get Up”, Smith made a bold statement, saying, “The Thunder should go and get Kevin Durant. They should try to get him back by any means necessary.”
At first glance, this suggestion may seem absurd. Durant left the Thunder in 2016 to join the Golden State Warriors, with whom he won two championships and multiple individual accolades. He then signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, where he currently plays alongside Kyrie Irving and James Harden. So why would he ever consider returning to Oklahoma City?
Well, as Smith explains, there are multiple reasons why a reunion between Durant and the Thunder could be beneficial for both parties.
First and foremost, Durant’s departure from the Thunder was not exactly smooth. Many OKC fans were left feeling betrayed and bitter, and the relationship between Durant and his former team has been strained ever since. Bringing him back would not only heal that rift, but it would also reignite the passion and love that the fans once had for him. It would be a true homecoming, and the city of Oklahoma would welcome him back with open arms.
But beyond the emotional aspect, Durant’s return could also greatly benefit the Thunder on the court. Despite his success with the Warriors and the Nets, Durant’s time in Oklahoma City remains the most prolific of his career. He was a four-time scoring champion, a league MVP, and a six-time All-Star while wearing a Thunder jersey. With his elite scoring ability and his versatile playmaking, Durant would undoubtedly elevate the team to new heights.
Furthermore, the Thunder have a strong supporting cast that would complement Durant’s talents perfectly. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as a rising star, and players like Luguentz Dort, Darius Bazley, and Theo Maledon have shown promise and potential. Adding a player of Durant’s caliber would only enhance their development and create a formidable lineup that could compete with the best in the league.
Of course, there are also the financial implications of such a trade. Durant is currently signed to a max contract with the Nets, and the Thunder would have to make significant moves to create enough cap space to fit him in. But as Smith argues, it would be worth it for the long-term success and stability of the franchise.
Some may argue that Durant has no reason to leave the Nets, who are currently one of the top contenders in the league. But as history has shown, things can change quickly in the NBA. Injuries, roster changes, and other unforeseen circumstances can greatly impact a team’s success. The Thunder, on the other hand, have a young and talented core that could continue to develop and improve for years to come.
In the end, the decision would ultimately be up to Durant himself. But if the Thunder were to make a bold move and bring him back, it could be the missing piece that leads them to their first championship. And for a franchise that has yet to experience that ultimate thrill, it would undoubtedly be the biggest moment in their history.
