Just read an opinion piece over on BlazersLand about the idea of the Blazers signing Durant, which somewhat suggested that perhaps some reason might exist not to sign him. https://www.blazersland.com/durant-portlands-answer/ Personally, I can't think of anything that would cause Neil to say no to KD. In fact, I even commented on the column that even if Durant demanded that Dame be traded in order for him to sign here, that Olshey would figure out a way to make it happen. So, what say you all--is there any realistic scenario of which you can conceive that would cause Neil to say no to Durant signing here?
Yes. NO isn't trading Dame. Not when he just signed a max and is still on the rise. 2-3 years from now if things don't pan out? Sure, But Dame isn't going anywhere for anyone. I'm sure of that.
"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush"???? That is the only thing I can think of. If Neil thinks he can land some really good (but not necessarily great) FA by showing him that he is the #1 priority (Even over someone like Durant) then maybe Neil passes on the recruiting drama of KD. Not saying that is the wise route to take, just the only one I can think of that would keep Neil from pursing him.
Durant kind of seems a lot like LaMarcus, maybe he just doesn't want to deal with a little bitch again.
I think it will depend on KD's desire to play here as well. If he is really motivated, by all means roll out the red carpet. If he is luke warm, it would be better to meet with more realistic targets first. I do not see a long, drawn out negotiation for KD.
You don't have to renounce players to make an offer. You can wait to see if he accepts the offer, and then renounce to clear that cap space. The only way that wouldn't work is if there was a Chandler Parsons scenario. Someone makes an offer to, say, Allen Crabbe. At that point we have to decide if we want to match or renounce to have the space to make an offer to Durant. The only negative, honestly, is that you can only be in so many places at once. I get the feeling that Neil/Paul would have to go hard after Durant if they wanted a chance, which means they wouldn't be able to go after Horford or Whiteside because they can only be at one place at a time. And what message are you sending to any free agent if you're simultaneously courting other guys? You're clearly not my top choice, but please consider me if Durant says no.
I don't think Durant has too big an ego to work with Lillard and Blazers. Watching him, to me it seems he frequently defers to Westbrook. I don't think Olshey goes after Durant unless he can bring in another major piece at the same time. So he knows he better have all his ducks lined up ahead of time.
If it's a possible, unless Durant says in so many words he will not come to Portland, then I think Olshey & Paul Allen are dealing.
He can't guard us! (Not that it is relevant or truthful, but my artificial intelligence does not consider this to be of importance learning existing evidence)
This wont happen with Durant but if we go after a RFA if we renounce players to do it if the other team matches we get those renounced players back onto our caps and then the option to renounce them again if we want. Happened to us a few years ago.
July 6: Kevin Durant unexpectedly signs 4 year max contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. July 7: Could the new look Blazers dethrone the Warriors for best in the west? July 8: LeBron says Portland is early favorite to win in '17. August 9: Durant twists knee getting out of bed. August 10: Durant's knee worse than originally thought. Will have season ending surgery. August 25: Durant feeling optimistic for 2018 and can't wait to get back on the court with his new team. October 10: Durant has major setback. October 30: Durant calling it quits. Wants to be able to walk later on life. October 30: ripcitytwo.com burns down the Internet and most of the Portland metropolitan area. END SCENE
Durant already said last year he didn't like Portland this is reason not to waste anybody time by going after him.
Reality is the only reason I can think of. KD wont come here, there is to much opportunity in the east and to much money in OKC or LA.
If you read the article, it doesn't say anywhere Neil would say no if Durant's agent called and said hey will you sign Kevin he wants to come to Portland. The message is this: Kevin Durant is one of the best players in the league, but is he neccesairly the best path forward? I do think it matters what we would have to give up. Olshey would not trade Dame for Durant, nor would he sacrifice his vision of the Blazers future for him.
I trust Olshey will have all of his ducks lined up, because he seems to have a really strong grasp of how much each duck's worth.
If he reckons that Durant is not thinking about Portland and does not seem like a realistic option, he might focus on other targets instead. Whiteside and Horford despite being highly unrealistic are still much more probable.
