For a franchise that has programmed its future around two players of absolute level, losing one the two lasting superstars in free agency is heart-breaking. When a champion of the caliber of Kevin Durant decides to leave you must be ready to overcome the aftermath and the front office of the Oklahoma City Thunder has revealed once more excellent, succeeding to sopperire to such a painful loss.
After that wretched 4th July 2016 a lot of things changed. Russell Westbrook has sworn love to the franchise and has been put to the center of Sam Presti’s new project and the playmaker by Los Angeles has not disappointed the expectations dragging the team to the playoffs in a season of transition. Today, after the elimination in the first round, the front office is working for building a team around the number #0 that hopefully one day will be able to compete for something bigger.
We have gathered the occasion to interview Berry Tramel, known columnist that writes for ‘The Oklahoman’ and is close to Billy Donovan’s team.
– What’s your opinion about KD’s decision? Obviously he wanted to chase a ring, but was it the only reason he left the Thunder organisation?
“I think Durant wanted something new. I think he was ready to leave OKC and the Thunder and Westbrook, in some kind of order. No one can blame him for that decision. It’s his life. However, the decision to go to Golden State was weak. It upset the balance of power in the NBA. It made the NBA championship preordained.”
– Recently KP said that KD and RW are back in touch. Is there a possibility that one day KD could return to OKC?
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
“I think it’s possible that Durant could return to OKC some day, but I think it’s in the distance future, if ever. Durant wants something new, that’s apparent, and OKC is not new. Maybe late in his career, when he feels he has unfinished business, he would consider it. But not anytime soon.”
– The “James Harden trade” was one of the most controversial moves in recent memory. In your opinion, would the Thunder had been better in the short term with Harden instead of Ibaka? There were rumors he demanded a trade because he wanted to be the man somewhere else. Just rumors or reality?
“OKC did not choose between Harden and Ibaka. Sam Presti offered Harden more money than he offered Ibaka. Presti offered Harden more money than the Warriors signed Steph Curry for. Ibaka said yes, Harden said no. Curry said yes, Harden said no. There is reason to believe that Harden was ready to branch out and run his own team. Perhaps the real question about Presti is, should he have held on to Harden and tried to make a run at the 2013 NBA title, then take his chances? The answer is probably yes. But without that trade, there would be no Steven Adams in OKC, so the Thunder’s future would look radically different.”
– What about the “Ibaka trade”? Did it influence KD’s decision?
“I have no idea if the Ibaka trade influenced Durant. But if it did, Durant is crazy. The trade was fantastic for OKC. In a league getting smaller, the Thunder traded a really good big man for a really good wing player. Plus got two really good pieces. Durant on this most recent OKC team, with Oladipo, Westbrook, Roberson and Adams, would have been world-class. That’s without a doubt.”
– Who’s the player with the most potential in this team?
Domantas Sabonis.
“The player with the most potential on OKC? Established players, I think it’s Adams. I still think he could turn into an all-star. Young players, I think it’s Domantas Sabonis. Really skilled. I think he could turn into a really productive player.”
– If the Thunder stay put in free agency, who will be next year’s starting shooting guard? Does Alex Abrines have a possibility?
“Abrines is vital to the Thunder’s future. He could start, but clearly the best option is to re-sign Roberson and have Abrines coming off the bench. A bench lineup of Abrines and McDermott could score a ton of points.”
– Who are the best players in terms of fit in this year’s free agency crop?
Semaj Christon, attuale PG di riserva degli Oklahoma City Thunder
“Free agents? Considering what the Thunder has to spend (not much), the best maneuver is to try to get a backup point guard. With that in mind, the people who might work for a relatively modest price are Aaron Brooks (a scorer), Michael Carter-Williams (a defender), Darren Collison (probably too expensive), Tyler Ennis (lots of potential), Tyreke Evans (probably too expensive), Langston Galloway (wouldn’t be surprised), Brandon Jennings (probably not a fit), Shaun Livingston (probably staying in Oakland), Shelvin Mack (a consolation candidate), Patty Mills (very little chance he’s available), Brian Roberts, Sergio Rodriguez, Ramon Sessions (probably over the hill), Rodney Stuckey, Deron Williams.”
