Kevin Durant Sweepstakes Puts Free Agency Into Standstill Similar To 2016

The Kevin Durant sweepstakes are at an all-time high during this year’s Fourth of July celebration as the free agency market has come to an almost complete standstill and it has similar shades to that of his 2016 free agency announcement.

NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted in 2016 just how impactful a star of Durant’s caliber is at the time ahead of his decision to join the Golden State Warriors.

“Kevin Durant's decision has largely brought the rest of free agency to a stop. Most are waiting on his choice to proceed,” he said.

It remains true to this day since the most recent signings are that of Goran Dragic to the Chicago Bulls and veteran big man Serge Ibaka opting to re-sign with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Other than those two players, the free-agent market has come to a grinding halt as both franchises and fans wait where Durant will land.

As of now, the NBA landscape is fully aware that Durant wants out of the Brooklyn Nets and to make a splash with either the Miami Heat or Phoenix Suns.

The Suns have the best shot at landing Durant according to oddsmaker Odds Shark, giving Phoenix a plus-175 shot at getting the coveted forward.

Fans have learned better than to bet against the house and it has turned into a full-on waiting game from the rest of the league.

Spotrac showed that major free agents like James Harden, Deandre Ayton, Montrezl Harrell and Thomas Bryant have yet to be signed, likely because of the moves that front offices will have to make in order to contend with whichever team Durant lands with.

Ayton’s inclusion is not surprising since he is the Suns’ biggest trade piece right now due to his restricted free-agent status and could be made to do a sign-and-trade deal to facilitate the Durant move.

While Durant is entering his age 34 season, the impact of having an instant offense player like him on their team is going to be valuable for any title contender since he can get buckets on a whim.

Suns fans, like most of the league, are eagerly waiting for where Durant lands, but it may take a while since the belief among fans is that it will take a multi-team trade from the three franchises involved to get the deal going due to the intricate moving parts involved.

The Durant sweepstakes have no end in sight just yet and will look to grip the league until it comes to its eventual completion.