I'm there:

You have to trade Westbrook for the best package you can get. Send him to the Lakers, for the following reasons:

1. You bring back at LEAST Ingram and a 2018 First. We don't have a 2018 First rounder.

2. This is a deep draft and without Westbrook we'll have a Top 10 pick, and players will get experience.

3. Westbrook will have the option to rejoin OKC next season under the same conditions he would have to join another team and we'll have Ingram, Dipo, Adams and the ability to trade Kanter for something valuable.

4. Westbrook will realize what a dumpster fire the LAL are right now and it will remove all doubt that OKC is the place he should close out his career. And you can sell this to him before you trade him. Tell him this is the best thing for the OKC Thunder and he has a standing offer for whatever contract he wants to write up next summer.

If it doesn't, we at least have Ingram and the ability to build moving forward.

Unless he takes the extension (which wouldn't make the difference monetarily people are thinking)

This is all predicated on : does RW have a no trade or right of refusal in his current contract. Would RW sign a contact with the Lakers for longer than a 1+1? A team would be crazy to give away the farm for the services of RW for only a year.

The one issue KD is overlooking is that GSW didn't pitch to him to win a title - they pitched to him to *keep* him off the biggest threat to *their* winning another title.

Think about that.

It reminds me for all the world of what ol' Switzer used to do back in the days of unlimited scholarships. He'd go recruit and sign kids he knew might never play a down for OU, but were *more* than good enough to play for someone else - like a Texas or a Nebraska. GSW just eliminated a competitor without taking so much as a dribble, and KD thinks they really wanted *him*. Sure, they "wanted" him, but a closer measure of reality is GSW didn't want him playing *anywhere*.

And I think that's precisely why other sports, such as the NFL, have the notion of a "franchise" tag - to prevent one team from poaching a critical talent from another, leaving that franchise in the state the Thunder is now in.

SoonerDave, that's a well-overlooked point. The Thunder were definitely a threat to bring down GSW.

Durant's impatience may turn out to be a situation in which he falls on his own dagger; because there will be more pressure on GSW to win the WC.

A greater challenge for K.D. will be to share the spotlight and the ball with Green, Curry & Thompson.

If the Thunder trade Russell Westbrook, you can bet they are going to feel his wrath; especially if he's on a WC team.

You talk about nasty, you haven't seen nasty until you're on opposing team attempting to stop RW.

I was shocked when I heard the announcement. Completely goes against everything he has literally said in the last 6 years. Who would have thought that Game "Klay Thompson" 6 would forever change this franchise on this magnitude. What a dark day for OKC. From title favorites to bottom playoff seed.

NBA fans know this is a weak-ass move. The people who are complaining about the fans who are upset with KD don't have a full understanding of the NBA, and probably can't name any player not in OKC or Lebron.

OKC has every right to be upset with KD, you are allowed to dislike someone's basketball decisions who also did great things for your city.

Now that that's out of the way. Build around Russ. This city is going to be full beastbrook this season. If we can get Russell to stay, we can stand a chance to fight for title contention in the near future.


I am sorry, but this is embarrassing for KD, literally a top 5 NBA player joining what was already the greatest team in NBA history after they were kicking your teammates in the nuts while you bricked the final 4 minutes of a western conference championship AGAINST THAT SAME TEAM?! Completely blown away, KD has altered this franchise forever because it was too challenging for him.

As the wise words of Mr. Howard:

http://i.imgur.com/8Vbda60.gif

Now that that's out of the way. Build around Russ. This city is going to be full beastbrook this season. If we can get Russell to stay, we can stand a chance to fight for title contention in the near future.



http://i.imgur.com/KTfj3iw.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/7q2d2Ha.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/jVYdSh0.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/MS4J5mw.jpg

Why do you bother to participate here? It makes no sense to me.
Because I love my hometown and want to see it succeed.

Because if you are like me you love the State but are not afraid to tell it like it is no matter if it hurts. He is right. I am Black, native born Black Oklahoman and I live somewhere else because of the politics, archaic laws, lack of entertainment options for Black people in OKC. The NBA is made up of 75% black players. This is a State where the Gov disrespected the POTUS, a black man, in 2016 you can't buy a cold beer or wine in a grocery store or anything above 3,2 alcohol. What is a rich black guy to do? P. Gasol also let the cat out of the bag when he did not come. If KD could not get other top players to play with him in OKC what other choice did he have?other small markets in OKC category(Memphis, NO) have large African American demographics and if you were black you would know those cities host numerous national events for Black people. SLC, Sacramento, Seattle and even Phoenix are like OKC with small African American populations are how many free agents flock there? Seattle and Phoenix have "other" selling points.
Completely agree!

Your pointless hatred for Oklahoma City is unwelcome and unproductive. I would respectfully ask that you take that hatred elsewhere. I have loved Oklahoma City as my home long before there was a Thunder and will for as long as God grants me breath. Hating it is your prerogative, but I would equally hate having a life so empty that I would get on a message board to proclaim how much I hated that city. I cannot fathom why you participate here.My hatred for OKC? Are you serious? I always talk up the city on other forums. I spent years going around taking photos of new developments spending hundreds if not thousands in gas. I update other development forums to try and showcase the city as best as possible. I love OKC. It is my city. I am from there. I was raised there. I almost got arrested because I got into a fight with someone who was talking sh!t on the place when I first moved out here. So don't tell me that I hate the place just because I can come out and say the truth about.

A trend I notice on OKCTalk is a very fair amount of the people that always try and make it seem better than it is are older. There are young people on here that love it and I'm sure they are going to respond to this, but I always notice it is the people who are older who mainly put down others who speak their opinion.

I get it, okay. If you can't say OKC is nothing short of a shining gem, you opinion is not welcome. I'll await the usual response to this type of statement.

Wow, ok BChris. Maybe you should take your "talents" off this forum if you hate OKC that much. Your participation here, like BChris', doesn't make much sense.

Difference between me and Bchris? I don't go around talking sh!t about the place on other forums. I talk the place up. I tell people it is and up and coming city and I leave out the negatives because a million other people already have that covered.

Oh, and let me let you in a little secret here. Here doesn't post here anymore because he was tired of being unfairly looked down upon because he did have love for the place but couldn't stand it for certain reasons that I have no place to state without his permission. But go ahead and keep living in your fantasy land.

Edit: I was being too personal with my response to this. But seriously, just GTFO.

Have you ever explored OKC at all lately? I have no idea how you assess OKC as stagnant. I suppose you were probably speeding down 23rd too quickly to notice any change.

I explored it heavily--as I always do--about 3 months ago, because I love my city. I didn't drive down NW 23rd last time, I walked it 3 times. Ignorance is bliss, I suppose.

other sports[/B], such as the NFL, have the notion of a "franchise" tag
There are no "other sports", just the NFL. The NBA is known as a players league and for good reason. The only reason there is one in the NFL is because the NFLPA has the weakest union of the 4 major leagues.

As a young man, I would move back to OKC in a heartbeat. I have even considered purchasing a home in OKC and commuting weekly to Denver for work. You simply cannot beat the value of OKC. You have all of the amenities of the large cities-- minus recreational activities such as beaches, or mountains.

Liquor laws and anti-LGBT laws are not what is keeping professional athletes away from OKC. They make millions per year and can afford their lifestyle no matter the location. I'm sick of the OKC bashing.

Question for PluPan and others sharing his sentiment:

Not that you're right or wrong, but what amenities do you want and NEED that OKC simply doesn't have or provide?

DC already answered: politics, and lack of entertainment areas for black people.

Honestly man, I don't want to get too off topic, just share a little insight as to why the Thunder will probably have issues recruiting quality players, which I hope I'm wrong on.

Bad retail, bad grocery stores(just because a Trader Joe's and WinCo is coming in doesn't change this statement), overall culture, lack of mass transit, horrible infrastructure, lack of quality suburbs, and lack of beautification among other things.

Granted, a lot of these things are improving but it will take time. Unfortunately, not the amount of time it would take for some of these people like Geographer(who I actually respect and am starting agree with more and more) to write GTFO because I actually will say what's on my mind.

With this kind of attitude towards people and overall view of the city, it isn't going to change. I'm not sitting here claiming OKC sucks and there's nothing that can be done. If I thought that, I wouldn't invest so much time into browsing this site, hours on end creating a development map, going around other forums updating the OKC development page, if I hated the city. It's laughable that other users(most of which are old) are saying things like "I'm sorry you have so much hate in your life." Like dude, if you actually knew me, you would laugh at yourself for saying that. But please, go ahead and make that assumption off of a few posts of mine. lol

If you do come back in September I encourage you to open your eyes and leave the hatred either at the state line or at the airport you fly from.Always have and always will. :)

Anyways, I will let anyone respond and say whatever they want without me respond to them so go ahead.

I fully believe the Thunder will recover from this and OKC will become a great city. It already is. At the same time, I can also recognize the current problems it suffers from. So if people on here want to bash me for saying that, then so be it.

Truth to be told, when I start making big bucks from what I'm trying to achieve out here, I plan on spending a lot of money to make OKC better and do my part to help the community. Contrary to what some may believe because of heightened emotions due to the news, I love Oklahoma City and will continue followings to upcoming and development and I will do my part to spread the news about it in my attempt to better its image. I hope everyone here had a great Fourth of July and here's to OKC continuing its boom.

As a young man, I would move back to OKC in a heartbeat. I have even considered purchasing a home in OKC and commuting weekly to Denver for work. You simply cannot beat the value of OKC. You have all of the amenities of the large cities-- minus recreational activities such as beaches, or mountains.

Liquor laws and anti-LGBT laws are not what is keeping professional athletes away from OKC. They make millions per year and can afford their lifestyle no matter the location. I'm sick of the OKC bashing.
Kd narratives aside, he left for a better basketball team. That's pretty much it.

Kd narratives aside, he left for a better basketball team. That's pretty much it.

Exactly. This was a career move, no matter how weak. This move was not a reflection of our city, our community, or our people. This was pure business. He wants a ring, and GSW wants him out of the way.

This is not personal. This is pure business.

This is all predicated on : does RW have a no trade or right of refusal in his current contract. Would RW sign a contact with the Lakers for longer than a 1+1? A team would be crazy to give away the farm for the services of RW for only a year.

Orlando is crazy. For Ibaka.

Exactly. This was a career move, no matter how weak. This move was not a reflection of our city, our community, or our people. This was pure business. He wants a ring, and GSW wants him out of the way.

This is not personal. This is pure business.

I hope you guys are right because it sure is starting to look like none of these NBA stars want to play in OKC. Presti and the Thunder are playing behind the 8 ball it appears. When you can't attract decent Free Agents and you can't keep your home grown stars then it sure doesn't bode well for the future.

I am sorry to say but I just don't see a bright future for this team. It's nice to build through the draft but you have to be able to attract some good FAs and that just isn't happening.

I hope you guys are right because it sure is starting to look like none of these NBA stars want to play in OKC. Presti and the Thunder are playing behind the 8 ball it appears. When you can't attract decent Free Agents and you can't keep your home grown stars then it sure doesn't bode well for the future.

I am sorry to say but I just don't see a bright future for this team. It's nice to build through the draft but you have to be able to attract some good FAs and that just isn't happening.

Such is the case with any small market team. We're no different than New Orleans, Charlotte, Sacramento, Denver, SLC, etc. You have to remember, the team wasn't really winning in Seattle either, and that's a larger market. The team has done far better in OKC than it ever did in Seattle. And Seattle wasn't attracting FA's either.

Orlando is crazy. For Ibaka.

Excellent point. However the signing of fellow countryman, Bismack Biyombo, will help Orlando in retaining Serge. Who knows what has been said behind closed doors.

Bad retail, bad grocery stores(just because a Trader Joe's and WinCo is coming in doesn't change this statement), overall culture, lack of mass transit, horrible infrastructure, lack of quality suburbs, and lack of beautification among other things.
Bad retail? I think you have to compare us to other cities our size. It's really unfair to compare us to LA, Dallas, or wherever. Our retail is pretty comparative to other cities our size.

Bad grocery stores? It's not great but most superstars aren't going to our grocery stores anyways.

Overall culture? We have our own unique culture here dominated by Native American and Western themes. That's just who we are. A lot of people visit here simply for that culture. So, to say we don't have our own unique culture is I think foolish.

Lack of mass transit? Most superstars are not using the mass transit system. They have expensive sports cars. And how are we any worse than cities like LA, Portland, DFW, Houston, San Antonio? All of those cities are pretty car dependent.

Lack of quality suburbs? Yukon, Edmond, Mustang, Norman - they're pretty comparable to any suburb in DFW or San Antonio. Norman alone is one of the nicer suburbs I've ever been too. And it's a large college city to boot.

Lack of beautification? Due to geography, we have what we have to work with. But, we're not much different from cities like San Antonio, DFW, and Houston.


One thing you have to realize is that most of these superstars aren't living here full time. They have homes elsewhere. This is simply their place of work. So, these things don't really matter. This isn't true for every market, but it is true for smaller market teams like Sacramento, Charlotte, NOLA, Milwaukee, Portland, etc.

Portland is car dependent in some ways, but you really can live comfortably without a car. ^^^

Portland is car dependent in some ways, but you really can live comfortably without a car. ^^^

Compare us to any of the teams in Texas and we're not much different. Yes, Dallas has DART, but it's not like the majority of the citizens there use it. You still pretty much have to have a car in DFW.

I don't really think it's fair to blame the city of OKC for being the reason why FA's don't come here. If the city was the problem, then OU would also have problems attracting athletes there. Bob Stoops is drawing recruits from all over the country, and he doesn't seem to have any problems bringing in people.

Compare us to any of the teams in Texas and we're not much different. Yes, Dallas has DART, but it's not like the majority of the citizens there use it. You still pretty much have to have a car in DFW.

I agree with all of your points, I just wanted to point out that Portland really does have excellent mass transit that every citizen uses at least a few times per month. Some people use it exclusively, some people used it like I did...trips to downtown or the mall without having to worry about parking.

I agree with all of your points, I just wanted to point out that Portland really does have excellent mass transit that every citizen uses at least a few times per month. Some people use it exclusively, some people used it like I did...trips to downtown or the mall without having to worry about parking.

I agree. It think it's more fair to compare us to the teams in Texas though because we're more closely related to them geographically.

Kansas City, although they don't have an NBA franchise, they do have an MLB and NFL franchise. Really, Kansas City has little more to offer in terms of quality of life than we do. I think it's easy to compare it to OKC, although it's a little larger. They have pretty good and well traditioned major league teams. I mean, the Royals won the MLB last year.

St. Louis is another city that isn't much larger than OKC and offers about the same.

So, to blame it on the city, I think is unfair.

I don't really think it's fair to blame OKC for being the reason why FA's don't come here. If the city was the problem, then OU would also have problems attracting athletes there. Bob Stoops is drawing recruits from all over the country, and he doesn't seem to have any problems bringing in people.

I went to Austin recently and spent some time there, and even though Austin is a larger city, I think we have a lot more to offer than they do. Our downtown area is nicer for one.

Norman is not OKC, different vibe, College is not the pros. A guy comes to play for Stopps, he is here for 3-4 years and he is not under contract. If he does not like it in Norman, he can leave for other shores at anytime. You can't compare college recruiting with fishing in the fa market. The pitch is different, the experience is different. To compare the two is apples to tomatoes.

I agree. It think it's more fair to compare us to the teams in Texas though because we're more closely related to them geographically.

Kansas City, although they don't have an NBA franchise, they do have an MLB and NFL franchise. Really, Kansas City has little more to offer in terms of quality of life than we do. I think it's easy to compare it to OKC, although it's a little larger. They have pretty good and well traditioned major league teams. I mean, the Royals won the MLB last year.

St. Louis is another city that isn't much larger than OKC and offers about the same.

So, to blame it on the city, I think is unfair.

STL metro around 3 mil number 20 tv market. KC 2.1 mil. number 29 tv market. So OKC is quite a bit smaller and of course wouldn't have as many options and not nearly as many suburbs to choose from.

My hope is that KD loses his shot somewhere in Ca. and is never as good as he was here. Lets also hope that Curry loses his as well and they never win a championship. That is about the best we can hope for with KD leaving. I don't hope he breaks his leg or anything just hope he loses his shot and never finds it again. He has made enough money.

Difference between me and Bchris? I don't go around talking sh!t about the place on other forums. I talk the place up. I tell people it is and up and coming city and I leave out the negatives because a million other people already have that covered.

Oh, and let me let you in a little secret here. Here doesn't post here anymore because he was tired of being unfairly looked down upon because he did have love for the place but couldn't stand it for certain reasons that I have no place to state without his permission. But go ahead and keep living in your fantasy land.

Unfairly looked down upon???? Right....

LOL, you act like I should be disappointed, that's the best news I've heard all week! And I know the reasons you speak of because he constantly blasts them on other forums, not a very well kept secret.

Honestly man, I don't want to get too off topic, just share a little insight as to why the Thunder will probably have issues recruiting quality players, which I hope I'm wrong on.

Bad retail, bad grocery stores(just because a Trader Joe's and WinCo is coming in doesn't change this statement), overall culture, lack of mass transit, horrible infrastructure, lack of quality suburbs, and lack of beautification among other things.

Granted, a lot of these things are improving but it will take time. Unfortunately, not the amount of time it would take for some of these people like Geographer(who I actually respect and am starting agree with more and more) to write GTFO because I actually will say what's on my mind.

With this kind of attitude towards people and overall view of the city, it isn't going to change. I'm not sitting here claiming OKC sucks and there's nothing that can be done. If I thought that, I wouldn't invest so much time into browsing this site, hours on end creating a development map, going around other forums updating the OKC development page, if I hated the city. It's laughable that other users(most of which are old) are saying things like "I'm sorry you have so much hate in your life." Like dude, if you actually knew me, you would laugh at yourself for saying that. But please, go ahead and make that assumption off of a few posts of mine. lol

No issue from my end, I was just genuinely curious.
Things take time. OKC is growing in leaps and bounds, truly. It takes people dedicated to the city to see these things through and appreciate them when they're completed. I know several families in Tulsa that go down to OKC for weekend trips as they genuinely believe there is more to do down there, mostly because that's a true sentiment. But, what I will say is that in my brief travels, Oklahoma isn't as bad as people make it out to be. Disclosure: no, Oklahoma is not and, most likely will NEVER be a Seattle, NYC, L.A., Miami, etc. But then again, most cities in the world aren't and won't ever be.

Within the next 5 years, much of the core of OKC is going to be either transformed or complimented by the likes a massive central park, light rail system, a new skyscraper, etc. and to add a massive new retail and entertainment district in an entirely other part of the city (Chisolm Creek). All this fueled by a growing city and a city WANTING to change and proclaim to the world that "we are here!"

Bad retail? I think you have to compare us to other cities our size. It's really unfair to compare us to LA, Dallas, or wherever. Our retail is pretty comparative to other cities our size.

Bad grocery stores? It's not great but most superstars aren't going to our grocery stores anyways.

Overall culture? We have our own unique culture here dominated by Native American and Western themes. That's just who we are. A lot of people visit here simply for that culture. So, to say we don't have our own unique culture is I think foolish.

Lack of mass transit? Most superstars are not using the mass transit system. They have expensive sports cars. And how are we any worse than cities like LA, Portland, DFW, Houston, San Antonio? All of those cities are pretty car dependent.

Lack of quality suburbs? Yukon, Edmond, Mustang, Norman - they're pretty comparable to any suburb in DFW or San Antonio. Norman alone is one of the nicer suburbs I've ever been too. And it's a large college city to boot.

Lack of beautification? Due to geography, we have what we have to work with. But, we're not much different from cities like San Antonio, DFW, and Houston.


One thing you have to realize is that most of these superstars aren't living here full time. They have homes elsewhere. This is simply their place of work. So, these things don't really matter. This isn't true for every market, but it is true for smaller market teams like Sacramento, Charlotte, NOLA, Milwaukee, Portland, etc.

I disagree with almost all of that, but that's okay. Anyways, if you want discuss this issue, feel free to start a thread. I will respond.

No issue from my end, I was just genuinely curious.
Things take time. OKC is growing in leaps and bounds, truly. It takes people dedicated to the city to see these things through and appreciate them when they're completed. I know several families in Tulsa that go down to OKC for weekend trips as they genuinely believe there is more to do down there, mostly because that's a true sentiment. But, what I will say is that in my brief travels, Oklahoma isn't as bad as people make it out to be. Disclosure: no, Oklahoma is not and, most likely will NEVER be a Seattle, NYC, L.A., Miami, etc. But then again, most cities in the world aren't and won't ever be.

Within the next 5 years, much of the core of OKC is going to be either transformed or complimented by the likes a massive central park, light rail system, a new skyscraper, etc. and to add a massive new retail and entertainment district in an entirely other part of the city (Chisolm Creek). All this fueled by a growing city and a city WANTING to change and proclaim to the world that "we are here!"

A lot of stuff in that post wasn't meant in a direct response to you.

Unfairly looked down upon???? Right....

LOL, you act like I should be disappointed, that's the best news I've heard all week! And I know the reasons you speak of because he constantly blasts them on other forums, not a very well kept secret.

You know the reasons? I haven't heard him say it... then again we all have our reasons.

Look dude, I love OKC. End of story in regards to that. Every time I come back, I come back hoping things have improved, and they are, very slightly. I will leave it at that for now unless someone else wants to discuss it in another thread.

My main response also was in response to the fact the Thunder have a hard time recruiting other NBA players. I'm giving my 2 cents as to why that may be.

Soonermike,

Not sure what the context is, but I agree that burning his jersey is just plain silly and immature. But, every team has those fans.
.

I get that every team has those fans, but I had no idea this is how OKC would treat someone like KD. Lebron made a huge spectacle out of everything during "The Decision" and was rubbing it in Cleveland's face, whether intentional or not. I can see why Cavs fans were so butthurt. But again, KD has been nothing but good to us and good for our city. I mean everyone is acting so shocked like he completely pulled a 180 out of nowhere. Well, there's a reason why he set up meetings with 5, I repeat 5 f*%&ing teams, in the Hamptons! He obviously wasn't sure he wanted to be here anymore. So when I see douchebags like the Pink Parrot guy, it makes me sick. KD doesn't owe anyone ****, especially that self-promoting asshole. He definitely took the easy road, and it'll hit his legacy regardless if he wins a few rings or not.

So for someone that has been so good to our city, I'm just shocked at the jersey burning and the extent of the verbal attacks on this kid. Used to tell people we had more class than that. But like I said, only a matter of time before most of these Thunder "fans" disappear anyways. Bunch of bandwagon losers. It really makes me sick.

I get that every team has those fans, but I had no idea this is how OKC would treat someone like KD. Lebron made a huge spectacle out of everything during "The Decision" and was rubbing it in Cleveland's face, whether intentional or not. I can see why Cavs fans were so butthurt. But again, KD has been nothing but good to us and good for our city. I mean everyone is acting so shocked like he completely pulled a 180 out of nowhere. Well, there's a reason why he set up meetings with 5, I repeat 5 f*%&ing teams, in the Hamptons! He obviously wasn't sure he wanted to be here anymore. So when I see douchebags like the Pink Parrot guy, it makes me sick. KD doesn't owe anyone ****, especially that self-promoting asshole. He definitely took the easy road, and it'll hit his legacy regardless if he wins a few rings or not.

So for someone that has been so good to our city, I'm just shocked at the jersey burning and the extent of the verbal attacks on this kid. Used to tell people we had more class than that. But like I said, only a matter of time before most of these Thunder "fans" disappear anyways. Bunch of bandwagon losers. It really makes me sick.


Welcome to Pro Sports. It's very common for players to be trashed and a jersey burning and trash thrown on players lawns ect ect. when a player leaves a city. Sometimes it makes the headlines and the bigger the player the bigger the headlines. But KD deserves the bashing IMO. He ran off like a little girl instead of standing up and taking the challenge. Not only that but he goes to the team that just beat his team. It's weak any way you look at it. He could have stayed for one more year and took the challenge and then moved on. But he xxxxxxx out. What KD did was worse than what Lebron did.

I get that every team has those fans, but I had no idea this is how OKC would treat someone like KD. Lebron made a huge spectacle out of everything during "The Decision" and was rubbing it in Cleveland's face, whether intentional or not. I can see why Cavs fans were so butthurt. But again, KD has been nothing but good to us and good for our city. I mean everyone is acting so shocked like he completely pulled a 180 out of nowhere. Well, there's a reason why he set up meetings with 5, I repeat 5 f*%&ing teams, in the Hamptons! He obviously wasn't sure he wanted to be here anymore. So when I see douchebags like the Pink Parrot guy, it makes me sick. KD doesn't owe anyone ****, especially that self-promoting asshole. He definitely took the easy road, and it'll hit his legacy regardless if he wins a few rings or not.

So for someone that has been so good to our city, I'm just shocked at the jersey burning and the extent of the verbal attacks on this kid. Used to tell people we had more class than that. But like I said, only a matter of time before most of these Thunder "fans" disappear anyways. Bunch of bandwagon losers. It really makes me sick.

Dude, KD is literally going against everything he has ever touted here in OKC. You can be mad at someone who was also good for the city, there doesn't have to be constant nut-hugging for someone who donated .8% of his Net Worth to charity. Yes it was extremely genuine and unexpected for anyone to do.

The fact he is leaving is already enough reason to be sour to him. Add all of the additional factors and the hypocrisy - boom - you have a recipe for hate. KD did this to himself on Monday morning. People have been over-the-top and burned jerseys for decades, it isn't new - it is just recorded on video and shared more now. Fans are passionate, let fans sulk the way they please.

People blaming Durant's departure because "OKC sucks" are ignoring the fact that the team that literally just won the title is from Cleveland, Ohio.

Not to rag on Cleveland, I'm sure it's a nice city, but the self-depreciating, insecure attitude people have towards OKC is tiresome.

Players leave much larger markets and cities all the time in all of the 4 major sports. That's just what happens. Welcome to the big leagues.

My main response also was in response to the fact the Thunder have a hard time recruiting other NBA players. I'm giving my 2 cents as to why that may be.

This is the same for every small market team and even some large market teams. Name me one big free agent that Denver or the teams in New Orleans have signed ? Or even DC???

Also acting like added a bunch of vets solves the team's problem

What if other players in the league saw or heard through the grapevine that kd was leaving a while back. Players text each other all the time. Read the articles about Green recruiting kd for the last few years....
If other players know of it maybe they knew not to to commit to play Here when kd wouldn't commit himself.

This is the same for every small market team and even some large market teams. Name me one big free agent that Denver or the teams in New Orleans have signed ? Or even DC??? .I don't keep up with sports man so I honestly don't know.

If anyone ever doubted the real passion of this forum, we have spent a good deal of time talking about development in a thread about the OKC Thunder centered around the most collosal development in Oklahoma sports history (aside from the Thunder actually coming to OKC in the first place). :D

To be honest, I don't think there's a better take on this in print than Royce Young's. It's the best writing he's ever done:

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/16791990/nba-changes-led-kevin-durant-departure-oklahoma-city-thunder

There's so much to be said about this that will occur over the next few months/years/decades, but Royce's piece is really a must read at this point.

But I've had this thought stirring in my head today: So much of this situation really is representative of OKC today. We have a lot of problems to overcome as a city (as personified by KD and KD leaving), and yet we're well in the process of overcoming them (even losing KD, we're a competitive playoff team). The question is are we going to do the things necessary as a city (/franchise) and cash in on our greatest asset(s) (Westbrook, etc.) to continue an upward trajectory toward becoming the amazing city we could eventually become (eventually a Championship).

KD leaving also brings it all home. We voted for improvements to the 'Peake in order to bring a professional franchise to OKC under the guise that we want to become a "Big League City". Well...this was the final test of a "Big League City": Learn how to lose a franchise built superstar.

The Thunder team I will remember!

12748

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo_GvWxGmuc

I don't keep up with sports man so I honestly don't know.
plupan, I hope you know you're posting in a sports thread. :)

Don’t Sweat Kevin Durant’s Departure. You’re Doing Fine, Oklahoma City!

http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2016/07/05/oklahoma_city_s_economic_development_will_continue _after_kevin_durant_s.html?wpsrc=sh_all_dt_tw_top

I'm disappointed in KD and feel like he took the easy way out basketball-wise. However, he was an amazing and classy ambassador for OKC since 2008. And this is his life and his decision. You won't see me ever trash the guy. Thanks for the good years, KD.

This is the same for every small market team and even some large market teams. Name me one big free agent that Denver or the teams in New Orleans have signed ?

Drew Brees and Peyton Manning?

Drew Brees and Peyton Manning?

Didn't realize I had to preface my question with in basketball....

Also I might argue yes Peyton Manning was a big name, but past his prime. he was 1 qb sack away from being a vegetable his whole life. Not sure many teams would have signed him after all his injuries.

I bet the thunder could sign AI or Karl Malone but really what does that get you?

Didn't realize I had to preface my question with in basketball....

Also I might argue yes Peyton Manning was a big name, but past his prime. he was 1 qb sack away from being a vegetable his whole life. Not sure many teams would have signed him after all his injuries.

I bet the thunder could sign AI or Karl Malone but really what does that get you?

Wow, what an unneeded ****ty comment.

I was reading today this move also helps Kevin sell shoes. Moving and having all this coverage of him will reverse his slipping shoe sales lately. As much as everyone hates it "Super" teams get all the coverage, screen time and games on TV. He is going to sell a lot of shoes.

It was a perfect storm. Reports of KD being easily impressionable and having corporate hotshots and players coaxing him into everything they want for their own benefits. This is why the OKC front office said they were worried outside influences have been swaying Durant all season long. And it turns out it is true and there was basically indirect recruiting attempts by the GSW the whole time.

So either this is what happened, or KD is the best liar/PR person to ever play in the modern, media-filled NBA.

I was reading today this move also helps Kevin sell shoes. Moving and having all this coverage of him will reverse his slipping shoe sales lately. As much as everyone hates it "Super" teams get all the coverage, screen time and games on TV. He is going to sell a lot of shoes.

I bet he'll have a bump in shoe sales initially, but they'll ultimately drop off. He's no longer the star of a team. In OKC, he was the superstar. In Golden State, he will be 2nd or 3rd on the list behind Curry and Thompson. He'll be no different than Scottie Pippen was to Michael Jordan. KD will be second fiddle to the true MVP, Curry. Gone are the scoring titles. Gone are the MVP's. He'll have to give up those to the true star of the team, Curry. Curry's shoes will increase, but ultimately, KD's will fall as he is no longer the star of the team. He'll still be a good player on a team, but he'll no longer be a team's star. Think Pippen. Sure, Pippen has rings, but Pippen will always be in the shadows of Michael Jordan. Kevin Durant will be the same. His legacy will not be what it could've been had he won a title on his own, with his own team, in OKC.

From TrueHoop Podcast:

Ethan Strauss asks the guys if the Harden trade “lit the fuse” for Kevin Durant’s decision to join Golden State and ultimately ruin OKC's roster. Windhorst says he thinks the Thunder losing a 3-1 lead in the WCF was the key factor. Someone else (Tom Haberstroh?) tries to clarify Ethan’s point by asking would the Thunder have lost that lead with Harden on the team? This sparks Windhorst to get something off his chest…

Brian Windhorst:

“So here’s the thing guys, I have to step in here, you cannot look at that trade and say either/or. The Thunder were the product of their own misjudgements but they were the product of some terrible misfortune along the way. And one of the misfortunes was in 2011 a new CBA came in with extremely penal luxury tax penalties and as part of that CBA, without Durant even asking for it, [the league] grandfathered his contract in to giving him the ‘Rose provision’. When the CBA opened (the next year) it was like “by the way, you now have a luxury tax that’s twice or three times as penal as it was before, when you were planning your team. Oh and by the way, we decided we’re giving Kevin Durant three more million dollars over every year of his contract” and the Thunder we’re like “umm…WHAT?!” And it was such a bad deal for the Thunder that the league later refunded them the money but it was too late because they had to make the decision on Harden. Now if you wanna retort and say…
Someone else on the panel interrupts with a big “wait, whaaat?” because, like me, they can’t believe this **** either
BW (cont.)
“…So as you know, there’s this thing called the ‘Rose provision’. It was called the ‘Rose provision’ but it might as well have been called the ‘Durant provision’ because he was the first person to actually get it. (It allows a player) to get extra money if you made two all NBA teams or were voted into two all-star games. Durant had signed his extension before the CBA and it was kicking in as soon as the new CBA came in. He didn’t have the opportunity to get the ‘Rose provision’ (in this contract because it didn’t exist when he was negotiating his contract). And somewhere in the lawyering…
Amin Elhassan jumps in to mention that the Rose Provision is negotiable between the player and the team from 25%-30% of the cap. However, in Durant’s case the league gave him the full 30% retrospectively without negotiation.

BW (cont.)

“They just gave it to him and it was a crazy decision and pardon my podcast French but they absolutely screwed the Thunder on it. Now, you’re gonna say “what are you complaining about? So what you have to give KD more money” but it screwed the Thunder’s planning. All of a sudden it meant that they had to account for three million dollars more per year for the next five years when they had to try and decide on Harden. And you may say to them “well you’re still an idiot because you should still pay Harden and pay the luxury tax. What’s your freaking problem, Thunder?” and the answer is they were horribly afraid of the repeater tax which they’d be in right now if they had signed Harden. So yes, if you want to frame the decision that they screwed up with Harden – yeah - but they got a terrible piece of misfortune there.”
And in case anyone wants to ask “well, why not still blame the Thunder’s cheap owners for not paying the repeater tax?”...

People blaming Durant's departure because "OKC sucks" are ignoring the fact that the team that literally just won the title is from Cleveland, Ohio.

Not to rag on Cleveland, I'm sure it's a nice city, but the self-depreciating, insecure attitude people have towards OKC is tiresome.

Players leave much larger markets and cities all the time in all of the 4 major sports. That's just what happens. Welcome to the big leagues.

I should point out that Dallas and Mark Cuban are legendary FA strikeouts at this point. They just lost Chandler Parsons to Memphis of all places and couldn't lure DeAndre Jordan even though he is from here. Is that because Dallas is somehow deficient as a city? Actually now that I think about it when was the last time the New York teams were even relevant? And with Dwyane Wade likely going to Cleveland himself, expect Miami to head that way as well.

Don't get me wrong there will always be an issue with some players with small markets...it just is what it is (with that in mind, The NBA is probably the best sports league for smaller markets). But building on the Lebron-to-Cleveland comment, players go where they think they can win. They can always (and frequently do have) second homes in other cities. Its unfortunate that OKC still has so much self-hate that bubbles up from time to time.

ANd let's be sure to keep in mind how many titles Harden brought to Houston.....just as many as KD has ever one. And he's since become perceived as a bit of a pariah on that team...so the Harden business is just a red herring. We wouldn't have Adams without that trade.

Bottom line - Thunder is shafted from every possible angle. No way around it. Perfect storm. When al the dust settles, I'm not sure there will be any one player identified as having done more singular damage to one team than KD has done to the Thunder. You couldn't have *calculated* a way to inflict more damage. As I credit KD with being a pretty sharp guy, I have this suspicion it wasn't all accidental, and his relationship with Thunder management wasn't nearly as good as we might have been led to believe. And this was, at least in part, his way of saying "sayonara."

There is no question that KD leaving was an unfortunate perfect storm of about 10 things happening... If any of them hadn't, KD is likely still with the Thunder.

I should point out that Dallas and Mark Cuban are legendary FA strikeouts at this point. They just lost Chandler Parsons to Memphis of all places and couldn't lure DeAndre Jordan even though he is from here. Is that because Dallas is somehow deficient as a city? Actually now that I think about it when was the last time the New York teams were even relevant? And with Dwyane Wade likely going to Cleveland himself, expect Miami to head that way as well.

Don't get me wrong there will always be an issue with some players with small markets...it just is what it is (with that in mind, The NBA is probably the best sports league for smaller markets). But building on the Lebron-to-Cleveland comment, players go where they think they can win. They can always (and frequently do have) second homes in other cities. Its unfortunate that OKC still has so much self-hate that bubbles up from time to time.

I agree. KD didn't leave because OKC sucks. He even said himself that he really liked our city and he invested a lot here. He didn't leave because of bad retail. Or bad infrastructure. Or bad grocery stores. Or lack of mass transit. Etc. etc. He left because he had a greater opportunity with another team for a chance at creating a dynasty. He had a greater opportunity at winning a championship for many years to come. He left because of basketball. It was after all, a basketball decision. IT was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and who can fault him for taking it?

Free agents aren't turning down cities because of amenities. I think the only player that turned down OKC because of amenities was Pau Gasol, and he's in the minority. And look where he's signing.....after failing at a city with amenities, he's now going to San Antonio, a smaller market...why? For the chance at winning. Like I said, most of these players don't live in the cities where they work anyways, especially in smaller markets. Free agents are choosing cities based on where they can win. If a city's amenities were the reason for FA's choosing a city, then teams like the LA Lakers and NY Knicks would be killing it. But they're not.

Good read:

Superteams Like The Warriors Usually Underperform — Will The Kevin Durant Era Be Different? (http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/superteams-like-the-warriors-usually-underperform-will-the-kevin-durant-era-be-different/)

Answer: Maybe, but not likely due to law of diminishing returns

There is no question that KD leaving was an unfortunate perfect storm of about 10 things happening... If any of them hadn't, KD is likely still with the Thunder.

Not the least of which being Klay Thompson playing the game of his life -- by far -- in Game 6 of the Thunder / Warrior series.

Had that not happened, we would have won that series and maybe even the title and either way, Durant would have likely not view GS as such a better option.

The irony is that it was Durant's own horrible performance in that game that cost us as much as Thompson's absurd aberration.

There is no question that KD leaving was an unfortunate perfect storm of about 10 things happening... If any of them hadn't, KD is likely still with the Thunder.

Many factors were at play, but I think ultimately it came down to 1 thing. It was a basketball decision. What was the greatest opportunity to win championships for many years to come? It was clearly Golden State. He has an opportunity to create a dynasty there, and I think that was too good to pass up.