As he approaches unrestricted free agency a week from Friday, Kevin Durant doesn't have an issue with the Oklahoma City Thunder's trade of longtime teammate Serge Ibaka, league sources told ESPN's Zach Lowe.
Whether Durant will stay with the Thunder this summer is the $25-million question heading into the free-agency period. The team dealt Ibaka to the Orlando Magic on Thursday night for a substantial haul, including talented young guard Victor Oladipo, reserve forward Ersan Ilyasova, and well-regarded draft selection Domantas Sabonis.
Ibaka had been a mainstay at power forward next to Durant in OKC for the past seven seasons, but Durant is apparently fine with his former teammate heading elsewhere in his prime, according to Lowe's sources.
Ibaka, who will become an unrestricted free agent himself next summer, had reportedly grown annoyed by his reduced touches with the Thunder. The Congolese-born Spaniard hit five-year lows in scoring (12.6), rebounding (6.8), and 3-point shooting (32.6 percent) last season, partially a byproduct of more minutes for Steven Adams and Enes Kanter.
Many observers believe Durant will remain in Oklahoma City, possibly on a one-year contract. Thunder general manager Sam Presti said last week he was "excited" to pitch Durant on the prospect of remaining with the only pro franchise he's ever played for.
