Skip to content

Oklahoma governor: Durant can have cabinet position if he re-signs

Alonzo Adams / USA TODAY Sports

In the event that Kevin Durant is unmoved by the Oklahoma City Thunder's attempts to retain him when he becomes a free agent this summer - in case he's not lured by continuity, or the prospect of more time playing alongside Russell Westbrook, or the additional years and money the Thunder can offer him - the governor of Oklahoma has an ace up her sleeve.

"If Kevin Durant thinks about leaving, which I hope he doesn't - Oklahoma loves Kevin Durant and Kevin Durant loves Oklahoma," Gov. Mary Fallin said Saturday. "But if he'll stay, I'll make him a Cabinet person for health and fitness on my Cabinet."

Whether or not such a thing would be of interest to Durant, the offer appears to be an earnest one, and Fallin spoke glowingly of the impact Durant and the Thunder had on the state during this year's playoff run, which took them to within a game of the Finals.

"The Thunder did a great job promoting Oklahoma and getting through the playoffs and almost there," she said. "Very, very proud of the Thunder. It was such an exciting time, put Oklahoma on the map every night. It was so fun to see us on national and international TV."

Fallin, who was speaking at a Q&A at the Oklahoma Press Association's annual convention, also noted that a job on her staff "might not be as attractive as a couple of million dollars."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox