NBA Rumors: San Antonio Spurs Roster Adds Kevin Durant; Free Agency Leads OKC Star to Tim Duncan, LaMarcus Aldridge

By Mitch de Leon
NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves
Jan 27, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dunks in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center.  Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The San Antonio Spurs are surprisingly inching closer to beating the Stephen Curry team this NBA season. With LaMarcus Aldridge, Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green growing more confident in their leadership roles, fans see less of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. Moreover, the recent performance of the San Antonio Spurs against the Golden State Warriors proved that the reigning NBA champs can be beaten by a selfless and determined team. However, the intensity of the Klay Thompson squad in the hardwood court should never be underestimated. Hence, the San Antonio Spurs are reportedly targeting the addition of Kevin Durant in their roster to finally clinch the highly coveted NBA championship.

The NBA free agency rumors surrounding Durant have been hounding the Oklahoma City Thunder star since the season started. Apart from the San Antonio Spurs, fans speculated that the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings are eyeing Durant. The Los Angeles Lakers also reportedly offered a package deal, which involves Russell Westbrook, in their offer to the 2014 NBA MVP.

"The fight for Durant doesn't formally begin until July, but make no mistake: Teams are already gearing up," noted Chris Mannix of The Vertical. He added, "The coming spike in the salary cap has created a landscape for which nobody prepared. Golden State is considered a realistic option, San Antonio is lurking in the weeds, and it's widely believed Boston will make its way onto Durant's radar in the coming months. Indeed, a Bachelor-like courtship is set to commence."

Mannix further noted, "San Antonio has rebuilt its dynasty, but rival executives believe the Spurs will explore ways of adding Durant to the mix, and the franchise's culture makes it intriguing."

The potential entry of Durant in the San Antonio Spurs will definitely make the Gregg Popovich team one of the most formidable - if not the most feared - basketball squads in the NBA. With a lineup featuring Aldridge, Leonard, Green, Durant and Duncan, the number two seed in the Western Conference could potentially become an unbeatable team in the league. Moreover, the recent win of the San Antonio Spurs against the Golden State Warriors showed how the former can easily change their tactics based on their foes.

"Just like you said, It's a chess match," shared Parker of their win over the Draymond Green squad. He added, "It's about adjustments. You try to make adjustments, and see what kind of defensive scheme can work better against them. I think the whole league is trying to figure them out. I'm not saying we've figured them out, but this was a lot better than the first game."

Amid the NBA free agency rumors, however, Durant remained mum on his next move. While the teams across the league will no doubt offer him lucrative deals, some fans believe that he will stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Describing the place as his "home," the only thing Durant has been vocal about is his support for the city.

"It's home," said Durant of Oklahoma. He added, "I've always felt that this place meant so much to me. It has a special place in my heart and my family's heart as well."

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