Kevin Durant has already put everyone on notice regarding his free agency next summer: Don't believe the rumors between now and then.
Yet seeing as it's August and not much is happening in the NBA world, why not speculate about where Durant ends up?
There are some logical destinations for Durant, whether they include on-court or off-court fit, or other intangibles. But what's important to remember is that the market will be compounded by a spike in the salary cap next summer with each team's cap bumped up to approximately $90 million.
Given that surplus and his considerable talents, it's conceivable that a large chunk of the league will pursue Durant. Remember the LeBron James sweepstakes of 2010? That was half a dozen teams. This may double that.
Here are eight possible contenders:
Oklahoma City Thunder
The only NBA franchise Durant has played with, going back to his rookie year as a Seattle SuperSonic. He's grown alongside Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, and previously, James Harden. The Thunder hold his Bird Rights. He says he loves the organization and the city, and wants his number retired there.
But LaMarcus Aldridge also once said he wanted to retire as the "best Blazer ever".
Durant and the Thunder have been to one Finals, losing in five to James' Miami Heat in 2012. The team knows they need to do better than that, and it's gone all-in with new coach Billy Donovan this coming season.
Will how far they go next spring affect Durant's decision? And what about the influence of Westbrook, who is due to be an unrestricted free agent one year later, in 2017?
Washington Wizards
Durant was born in Washington and grew up in the Maryland suburbs just outside D.C. While the idea of a superstar returning to his hometown to play is often based solely on sentimental intrigue, the Wizards have an attractive sidekick in John Wall.
With the cap space the team will have in 2016 (just over $34 million committed now and a predicted cap of $90 million), they could also add more, which wouldn't be a draw issue with Durant on the marquee. Yet playing in one's hometown can also be a double-edged sword, for several reasons.
I've been with Kevin in DC. There's an entire list of cons about playing at home that none of y'all ever bring up. https://t.co/dyVbG6LLOB
— Nate Jones (@JonesOnTheNBA) July 19, 2015
Los Angeles Lakers
Much is whispered about players not wanting to suit up with Kobe Bryant. But will Kobe be playing beyond 2016? Sooner or later, the Lakers will land a big name - or names - in free agency, with or without Bryant. They're the Lakers. It's worth noting that L.A. is a popular rumored destination for Westbrook in '17.
Why, partially? It's his hometown.
Dallas Mavericks
Mark Cuban got burned by DeAndre Jordan this summer, and the clock is ticking on Dirk Nowitzki's career. Again, consider the cap spike and the fact that the only Maverick under contract past 2017 is Wesley Matthews.
Would Durant enrage the Thunder faithful by moving three hours down I-35 to the rival Mavs? Maybe not, but Dallas is a major market that pro athletes tend to like - in part because of the absence of state income tax in Texas.
The same reason - along with Harden and Daryl Morey - have the Houston Rockets in the mix.
Miami Heat
Another magnet for athletes, thanks to the weather, vibe, and similar tax situation to Texas. You can bet Pat Riley will make a run at Durant, with Chris Bosh and Goran Dragic locked up for the long term. How that will affect the free agency of Dwyane Wade and Hassan Whiteside remains to be seen.
New York Knicks
Because it's New York, it's always on the list. One report in January had Durant interested in joining Carmelo Anthony on the Knicks, but you know what KD says about sources.
Toronto Raptors
Despite some flawed anti-Canadian narratives, the Raptors have re-signed their own big-name stars in Kyle Lowry and Vince Carter over the years, but have never really been in the market for a superstar switching teams. Could Durant's adolescent fandom of Carter's Raptors and luring by Drake bring KD north?
Those things may be minimal in terms of influence, but realistically it would boil down to Durant's faith in GM Masai Ujiri's vision to build a winner. The Raps will also have a decision to make about DeMar DeRozan.
Golden State Warriors
It may sound crazy, but again, think of the cap spike. Klay Thompson's father Mychal suggested in May that the Dubs would chase Durant, bringing about visions of sensory overload. Could it be overkill, though? Stephen Curry's contract is up after the 2017 season, and he will need to be paid.
