I mean when healthy he is a top 20 player in the league. I want him.

I don't care about flopping or anything. If it is legal then do it. Heck how do you think Harden got a max deal and Draymond Green is a top 15 player in the league?I'm glad we don't have either of them. I hope Presti sticks to his history of only going after high character guys.

And this story is from "league sources". If Presti actually let something he was looking at doing leak before it was done I think it would be the first time.

The only thing I am getting out of this is the fact Russell is pissed at KD and ready to lead a solid group of young guns.

I am actually getting pretty hyped for this season. If Russ re-signs with OKC, he is automatically the hero of OKC.


Did you guys see the interview with KD saying he laid in bed for two days after his decision to leave OKC?

This dude is seriously doubling down on the whole victim card. It is actually getting beyond embarrassing for him.

I'm sorry but I'm just under the impression that Russ won't re-sign and the reason I believe he won't re-sign is the reason why KD left. Don't believe the media hype. It doesn't work with politics...why should it work with sports?

What's the media hype? Media reports are mixed with most saying Russ hasn't decided.

If Russ leaves his reasons for doing so will be quite different from KD's.

Everyone knows kd wanted a new family :mad:

Not to disrupt off season talks but I drove up to KC for their Thunder Fan Appreciation Night and it was cool to be at the Royals game and receive a bomb ass hat but they got their butts WHOOPED by the Rangers!

Plenty of Thunder fans on hand...we sat right next to a couple of fans who are actually from Piedmont and the girls in the seats above us work in the Jack Daniels Club in the arena so it was like a lil niche family...

I saw a part of that game, 7-1 when I before my food arrived. Royals are still doing well, aren't they (a bit above 500?)?

Would love to have Blake Griffin as a Thunder; he could be the inside presence we need to complement Westbrook, Adams, Kanter, Roberson, Oladipo & Abrines.

Feel that Westbrook will be more forthcoming about his decision than most people think. Just too many of Durant's actions made me feel that he made his decision long before the San Antonio series.


“I know Russell (Westbrook) was bothered by — and some other teammates were too — of, like, there was some knowledge there that Draymond (Green) was in contact with Kevin (Durant) all season long and they’re in a playoff series and I know there was some conversation around the Thunder team of ‘Hey man, this guy kicked Steven Adams in the nuts twice in this series and what are you doing hanging out with this guy? What’s the relationship? We’re trying to beat these guys.’”

Kevin Durant's Friendship With Draymond Green Bothered Thunder Teammates:

http://thebiglead.com/2016/07/06/kevin-durant-draymond-green-oklahoma-city-golden-state-warriors/

Russell Westbrook supposedly put off by Kevin Durant’s friendship with Draymond Green during Western Conference Finals: http://clutchpoints.com/russell-westbrook-supposedly-put-off-kevin-durants-friendship-draymond-green-western-conference-finals/

Be gone, Dion!

AP is reporting that Dion Waiters has agreed to a one-year deal with Miami.

For $2.9MM?! I thought he earned himself some more money this postseason

Not to disrupt off season talks but I drove up to KC for their Thunder Fan Appreciation Night and it was cool to be at the Royals game and receive a bomb ass hat but they got their butts WHOOPED by the Rangers!

Plenty of Thunder fans on hand...we sat right next to a couple of fans who are actually from Piedmont and the girls in the seats above us work in the Jack Daniels Club in the arena so it was like a lil niche family...

Go Rangers!

Kind of odd that they are doing a Thunder fan appreciation event in Kansas City.

For $2.9MM?! I thought he earned himself some more money this postseason

Stunningly low. While Dion has major flaws, he has showed some ability at both ends of the floor to at least be a competent bench piece. He's only 24. I thought $10 million per year was the floor for him.

Stunningly low. While Dion has major flaws, he has showed some ability at both ends of the floor to at least be a competent bench piece. He's only 24. I thought $10 million per year was the floor for him.

Especially with the stupid amounts of $ these players have been paid this off season. When Thunder pulled their qualifying offer I didn't expect it to be because they didn't want to pay him more than market value.

I think the Thunder probably (a) didn't want Waiters taking minutes from Oladipo/Abrines, (b) want to try to renegotiate Russ' deal with the cap room, and (c) keep flexibility for other potential moves.

Go Rangers!

Kind of odd that they are doing a Thunder fan appreciation event in Kansas City.

Not Really, they are on cable in the KC metro area. They are part of the Thunders viewing audience.

Not Really, they are on cable in the KC metro area. They are part of the Thunders viewing audience.

Interesting. I knew they are in Wichita, plus I know several people up there and they are all Thunder fans. The people I know in KC are Bulls fans though, I just figured that was the local team.

I would assume that a Royals night is coming at the Peake next season...

Go Rangers!

Kind of odd that they are doing a Thunder fan appreciation event in Kansas City.

I think OKC is the nearest basketball franchise to them?

I recall seeing a map of the US a couple of years ago that showed the favorite NBA teams in different parts of the country. Johnson County, Kansas (which has a bunch of nice KC suburbs) favored the Thunder. KC is a nice TV market for them, and there is a lot of potential there. Durant's exit doesn't help things, though.

Thunder has a very expansive fanbase in the NBA fan world. When I say that, I mean fans of other teams across the league - who root for the Thunder when their own teams are lottery bound and mediocre.

And a huge part of it has always been Russell Westbrook more than Kevin Durant. And now the upcoming Adams. Both are big fan favorites.

Durant Warriors jersey is best selling jersey in 30 states...

Darren Rovell @darrenrovell
Oklahoma is indeed one of 30 states in which Kevin Durant's Warriors jersey is the best selling NBA jersey this month at Fanatics.


Maybe a lot of Thunder fans are really just Durant fans? Seems plausible.

^

It's been all of 2 weeks.

Let's see how this plays out in the longer term.

Durant Warriors jersey is best selling jersey in 30 states...

Darren Rovell @darrenrovell
Oklahoma is indeed one of 30 states in which Kevin Durant's Warriors jersey is the best selling NBA jersey this month at Fanatics.


Maybe a lot of Thunder fans are really just Durant fans? Seems plausible.

That's not really surprising. Its the off-season when jersey sales are at their lowest of the year. It doesn't take much to have the best selling jersey when everyone already has all the other superstars jersey's. Lebron James would have the best selling jersey if he happened to have picked a new team the same time as Durant.

And a huge part of it has always been Russell Westbrook more than Kevin Durant. And now the upcoming Adams. Both are big fan favorites.

Are we at that collective stage of grief where we just make up things to make ourselves feel better about KD leaving? KD was obviously the most popular Thunder player up until July 4th.

Are we at that collective stage of grief where we just make up things to make ourselves feel better about KD leaving? KD was obviously the most popular Thunder player up until July 4th.

You just removed all context and pulled that out?

I was clearly talking about fans of other teams that enjoyed watching the Thunder. Russ is a huge draw from an entertainment perspective. I am not sure if you frequent NBA forums around the web, but Russ is most definitely favored over KD - and I am speaking of before KD bounced.

Are we at that collective stage of grief where we just make up things to make ourselves feel better about KD leaving? KD was obviously the most popular Thunder player up until July 4th.

Wouldn't call it grief, maybe disappointment. It's not about making ourselves feel better about K.D. leaving.

We all have our favorites. Bull-headed Russell Westbrook has always been mine--Anonymous has his; sure he can speak for himself. Durant has been a good & charitable person who has always shown his generosity toward our city. Now, Durant is a great superstar of a player; he just wasn't a leader--you can't fake leadership.

Durant has been given somewhat of a pass on his performance up until he decided to leave. Fans didn't want to be critical of him because they wanted him back.

There are no KD jerseys in my closet; nor has there ever been. Purchased K.D.'s jerseys for friends & relatives who are admirers of him--he's been a good role model.

You just removed all context and pulled that out?

I was clearly talking about fans of other teams that enjoyed watching the Thunder. Russ is a huge draw from an entertainment perspective. I am not sure if you frequent NBA forums around the web, but Russ is most definitely favored over KD - and I am speaking of before KD bounced.

Yes, I am a bit of an NBA junky. And I think KD is more popular. In fact, Russ is fairly divisive among NBA fans. I love Russ and let's hope he's around when the season starts...

KD *was* more popular, based largely on his ostensible humble, aw-shucks public persona.

We'll see if that continues to be the case now that almost the entire world views him differently. He has a lot of detractors, and not just in OKC.

KD *was* more popular, based largely on his ostensible humble, aw-shucks public persona.

We'll see if that continues to be the case now that almost the entire world views him differently. He has a lot of detractors, and not just in OKC.


And I am increasingly convinced that was a *very* carefully managed persona promulgated in no small part by the Thunder. I think a *lot* of people are going to be very cautious (if they weren't already) about exactly how the organization "packages" the team to the public. It is obvious that the relationship between KD and RW wasn't nearly as strong as we were all led to believe. You don't go from "super nice guy" to "bff's with Dramond Green" overnight.

KD *was* more popular, based largely on his ostensible humble, aw-shucks public persona.

We'll see if that continues to be the case now that almost the entire world views him differently. He has a lot of detractors, and not just in OKC.

He was boo'd at introduction in Los Angeles... I think true basketball fans (they have their team but also watch the entire league with the same interest) are not happy with KD. The only ones who are seem to be bandwagon fans of the Warriors now, as well as the Warriors loyal fans.

And I am increasingly convinced that was a *very* carefully managed persona promulgated in no small part by the Thunder. I think a *lot* of people are going to be very cautious (if they weren't already) about exactly how the organization "packages" the team to the public. It is obvious that the relationship between KD and RW wasn't nearly as strong as we were all led to believe. You don't go from "super nice guy" to "bff's with Dramond Green" overnight.

Oh wow, I didn't know Jim Traber was on OKC Talk! Love your radio show!

Has a player ever been booed in the United States wearing a Team USA jersey?

Oh wow, I didn't know Jim Traber was on OKC Talk! Love your radio show!

Thanks, yardbird :)

Has a player ever been booed in the United States wearing a Team USA jersey?

Not as I recall.

Setting: It's (two NBA city) Los Angeles, they didn't get Durant's services; however their cross state rival Oakland-San Francisco did. They didn't boo him because he left the Thunder, they booed him because he didn't come to the historic Lakers or Clippers.

I am going to the Olympics and have tickets to a men's USA basketball game. I am not sure how I am going to handle having to root for KD and his new teammates. Of course I bought the tickets last year when I was assuming I was going to get to cheer on our two Thunder players. I've been an nba fan for a long time and had to go through losses of favorite players before but this one is quite different.

I am going to the Olympics and have tickets to a men's USA basketball game. I am not sure how I am going to handle having to root for KD and his new teammates. Of course I bought the tickets last year when I was assuming I was going to get to cheer on our two Thunder players. I've been an nba fan for a long time and had to go through losses of favorite players before but this one is quite different.

KD is a two faced lying Dooshbag. Boo accordingly.

KD is a two faced lying Dooshbag. Boo accordingly.

So, True!

CCOKC, take the high road!

I won't boo. But I'm not sure I can cheer either. I would prefer to stay silent even when he comes back to OKC the first time as well.

I won't boo. But I'm not sure I can cheer either. I would prefer to stay silent even when he comes back to OKC the first time as well.

Oh, I'll be booing as loud as I possibly can. I did the same with James Harden during introductions at his first return game. I got looks from other fans, but they were soon with me once he got Hasheem Thabeet temporarily ejected from the game.

You can come over to section 103 and boo with my mom.

OK, there is a difference between wanting to boo and actually doing it. I haven't decided which will happen as yet. ly,ym

Personally, I hope you can hear a pin drop on the floor when they announced his name for the first time back in OKC. I hope it's so quiet he can hear his blood flowing through his ear drum.

These athletes are fueled by their egos. Any attention is good attention. Boos might as well be a cheer.

Personally, I hope you can hear a pin drop on the floor when they announced his name for the first time back in OKC. I hope it's so quiet he can hear his blood flowing through his ear drum.

These athletes are fueled by their egos. Any attention is good attention. Boos might as well be a cheer.

I seen a Yahoo report today where he basically calls RW a liar and say's he never told RW that he was staying in OKC.

I seen a Yahoo report today where he basically calls RW a liar and say's he never told RW that he was staying in OKC.

Russ never said KD said he was staying. Royce Young implied that on a podcast (probably accidentally), and then KD refuted what was blown into a "report."

So, no. KD did not call Russ a liar.

As time goes on, Durant will fade into our memory. OKC success as an NBA city did not revolve around Durant; although Texans think we named a city after him. :D

Oklahoma City has 10 years of solid support for the NBA (2 seasons with the Hornets & 8 years with the Thunder). We are a seasoned NBA city with 255 consecutive sellout since the 2010 season.

Russell Westbrook has shown a lot of maturity. The Thunder will be his team now; no more K. D. sitting around waiting on someone to pass the ball to him while he gets hero accolades--something he failed to do when the Thunder had the Warriors down 3 - 1.

One superstar is all we need with plenty of role & support players who can rise to the occasion.

Adams continues to evolve as he builds chemistry with Kanter & Westbrook. Oladipo's transition into the Thunder offense will be key.

Billy Donovan has a year of NBA coaching under his belt; we should see him coordinate the team to the Thunder's strengths.

Russ never said KD said he was staying. Royce Young implied that on a podcast (probably accidentally), and then KD refuted what was blown into a "report."

So, no. KD did not call Russ a liar.

The Dinner. I am staying in OKC and buying a 10 million dollar home in NH. Hard to argue that KD didn't tell them he was staying.

The Dinner. I am staying in OKC and buying a 10 million dollar home in NH. Hard to argue that KD didn't tell them he was staying.

KD had dinner in LA with Russ and Nick, and he did NOT say he was staying in OKC. This has been reported by numerous outlets. The only "report" that has come out that said KD actually said he was staying was Royce Young talking off the cuff on a podcast. And Royce issued a retraction saying that was incorrect.

Of course, everyone felt all along it was very likely that KD was coming back for at least one year. Pretty much everyone was caught off guard when KD actually left because he had often talked and acted positively about the past and the future (e.g., looking at houses, texting with Oladipo, discussing legacy). I also think that KD did not decide to go to the Warriors until the Hamptons weekend. He was strongly considering returning to OKC by all reports. This wasn't a done deal before that weekend...

But, KD never once said he was re-signing with OKC, particularly when specifically asked about it.

KD had dinner in LA with Russ and Nick, and he did NOT say he was staying in OKC. This has been reported by numerous outlets. The only "report" that has come out that said KD actually said he was staying was Royce Young talking off the cuff on a podcast. And Royce issued a retraction saying that was incorrect.

Of course, everyone felt all along it was very likely that KD was coming back for at least one year. Pretty much everyone was caught off guard when KD actually left because he had often talked and acted positively about the past and the future (e.g., looking at houses, texting with Oladipo, discussing legacy). I also think that KD did not decide to go to the Warriors until the Hamptons weekend. He was strongly considering returning to OKC by all reports. This wasn't a done deal before that weekend...

But, KD never once said he was re-signing with OKC, particularly when specifically asked about it.

That's what I recall Dan,

He never gave a 'yes or no' answer throughout this whole process which started before the 2015-16 season.

It was the reporters and writers who continued to press K. D. They were the ones who predicted that he would sign a one year contract until Russell's negotiation period came into play.

The Dinner. I am staying in OKC and buying a 10 million dollar home in NH. Hard to argue that KD didn't tell them he was staying.

That purchase (deposit) was a diversion attempt to throw off what he had already decided.

Kevin purchased a home in Gaillardia, moved from there to Deep Deuce (Brownstones at Maywood Park). Why would you want to move to Nichols Hills?

That purchase (deposit) was a diversion attempt to throw off what he had already decided.

Kevin purchased a home in Gaillardia, moved from there to Deep Deuce (Brownstones at Maywood Park). Why would you want to move to Nichols Hills?

I think he lived at The Hill, but your point remains.

Anybody know anything about the PG they got, Ronnie something?

Anybody know anything about the PG they got, Ronnie something?

Ronnie Price -- he's a solid vet. He's probably the third point guard, but he could be insurance if Cameron Payne is out longer than expected after his Jones Facture surgery. I wonder if they were planning on signing Semaj Christon (who played for the Blue and the summer team), but once Payne needed surgey they thought they better go with a vet in case he's out longer. And also, I still haven't seen the signing verified by any of the Thunder guys so it may not be a done deal. Here are his extensive highlights:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UKiLp92QzQ

Oklahoma City Thunder sign veteran point guard Ronnie Price to multi year contract


"OKC has agreed to a two-year deal with Ronnie Price. Beyond the length, the terms of the reported deal are still unknown, including how much of the money, if any, is guaranteed."

http://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2016/8/1/12341982/oklahoma-city-thunder-sign-veteran-point-guard-ronnie-price-to-multi

Anthony Slater is leaving the Oklahoman to cover the Warriors. Big loss for us, he was an excellent beat writer... Hoping they can find a good replacement.

Anthony Slater is leaving the Oklahoman to cover the Warriors. Big loss for us, he was an excellent beat writer... Hoping they can find a good replacement.

For us basketball junkies, it's a real loss. He's the best beat writer the Thunder have ever had in my opinion. I always felt like it was always a matter of time before he got a bigger/different gig. He's really talented. Best of luck to him.

For us basketball junkies, it's a real loss. He's the best beat writer the Thunder have ever had in my opinion. I always felt like it was always a matter of time before he got a bigger/different gig. He's really talented. Best of luck to him.

This team, franchise, city, is earning/ solidifying its reputation as a pass thru place/team. This City and the Thunder it appears will be mediocre for lot's of reasons, but no team/city is afraid to poach talent from little ole OKC. Big league city OKC is not

This team, franchise, city, is earning/ solidifying its reputation as a pass thru place/team. This city and the Thunder it appears will remain mediocre for lot's of reasons

Like the Washington Wizards...

Wizards yes! City, really?

For us basketball junkies, it's a real loss. He's the best beat writer the Thunder have ever had in my opinion. I always felt like it was always a matter of time before he got a bigger/different gig. He's really talented. Best of luck to him.

Slater is from California, so it's going home for him.