The NBA's hottest free agent may have already made up his mind about where he's headed, despite reportedly having six meetings lined up with six different organizations.
Several friends and business associates close to Durant expect him to stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder, reports The Undefeated's Marc Spears. A longtime friend of the former league Most Valuable Player said Durant's decision "is 90 percent made," and "it would take an amazing sales pitch to change it."
Another colleague of Durant added: "It's going to take some sweet-talking to get him to pass up all the money he can get by staying in OKC."
Because the Thunder possess Durant's Bird Rights, only they can offer him a five-year contract, as opposed to the four-year term other teams are limited to. Durant would also see larger annual raises of 7.5 percent instead of 4.5 percent.
The NBA's salary cap is projected to hit $94 million in 2016-17, and more than $107 million the following year because of the league's lucrative TV deal. It's believed to be in Durant's best interests to sign a one-year deal with a player option for a second to remain in Oklahoma City, allowing him to cash in on an even larger payday and then hit free agency alongside his All-Star teammate Russell Westbrook.
While money will certainly play some role in his decision-making, Durant's also motivated by winning an elusive NBA championship. His Thunder came within an eyelash of reaching the Finals last season, but fell short after blowing a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference finals against the Golden State Warriors.
Related: Durant reportedly intrigued by forming 'Super Death Lineup' with Warriors
He reportedly met with the Thunder on Thursday, and will apparently head to New York to chat with the Warriors on Friday. The San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, and Miami Heat are also believed to have landed face-to-face meetings.
