The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2015-16 season is over, expectedly, in unexpected fashion.
No, that’s not supposed to make any sense. But the Thunder’s postseason run didn’t make much sense. They weren’t supposed to beat the San Antonio Spurs, and they did. They weren’t supposed to jump out to a 3-1 series lead over the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, and they did. They weren’t supposed to blow that lead, and they did.
Golden State eliminated Oklahoma City from the postseason on Monday night. And while there was plenty to focus on, the Thunder’s exit meant that everyone would start zeroing in on Kevin Durant’s free agency more so than they already have. But Durant wasn’t having it, per The Oklahoman‘s Anthony Slater:
KD declines to talk about his future: "We just lost 30 minutes ago"
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 31, 2016
Kevin Durant's full answer on his future pic.twitter.com/t2F6sILHnr
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 31, 2016
This is kind of an annoying question to pose so soon after the Thunder just lost. At the same time, it has to be asked. It just has to be, even if you know the answer will include practiced deflection.
For what it’s worth, though, Durant kept using the words “we” during his postgame presser. He didn’t sound like a guy who is preparing to leave. And though he himself may not actually know what he wants to do, it’s become clear that he’ll be hard pressed to find a spot better than Oklahoma City.
The Thunder may have missed out on the NBA Finals, but they were right there, almost having dethroned two of the best teams in NBA history. There isn’t another situation in the league, except within Golden State’s and San Antonio’s walls, where he would be guaranteed that kind of success.
