Kevin Durant Needs to Stay in Oklahoma City

I love Kevin Durant, he’s one of my favorite players. While I wanted a rematch with the Warriors because of losing to them in 2016, I also would not have been unhappy seeing Durant and LeBron James squaring off for the title again. Only this time both representing two small-market franchises — Oklahoma City and Cleveland.

The Thunder need Durant, and he needs the Thunder too.

Before Durant was a member of the Thunder, he played one season for the Seattle SuperSonics. And then, he changed teams without really changing teams. The SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder, the city’s only major pro franchise.

As a member of the SuperSonics, Durant was the latest in a line of stars in the franchise’s long history (though undoubtedly one of, if not the, brightest). It’s true Seattle had one championship to its name (1979) and other stars like Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton and Ray Allen would wind up playing there. But if Durant retired today still a member of Seattle, he’d be the best to ever play for that franchise.

However in Oklahoma City, he’s something far better. The first. And he has the chance to give that franchise its first championship. Right now his name is synonymous with not just the team, but the entire franchise. I’ve never known the Thunder to be without Durant. An entire generation of NBA fans link OKC with KD.

Durant could leave the Thunder and win three rings, but if he stays and delivers one to Oklahoma City it will have a greater impact. Because in that city, that franchise is the No. 1 ticket. There is no hockey team, baseball team or pro football team to take away the spotlight. The closest thing is Oklahoma University, which is about 40 minutes south.

Every star that ever played for that franchise would have to escape Durant’s shadow. Kobe Bryant, as great as he was, is not even the best Laker (Magic is) and one could argue he isn’t even one of the three best Lakers (Magic, West, Kareem, Shaq...yeah it’s a legitimate debate). Durant could be Oklahoma City’s Magic whose legacy serves as a constant reminder to the next young star that tries to fill his shoes.

Regardless, Durant’s legacy is fine. He’s a surefire Hall of Famer and even more so if he ultimately wins a championship anywhere. Yes he could go to another franchise and bring it its first title and it would be very special. But not as special as delivering the first title to a newborn franchise, one that he had played for since the first game and stays with till the last.

And say what you want about James, The Decision is a stain on his legacy. Durant probably won’t leave Oklahoma City in the same distasteful way, but leaving will leave a mark. Fans appreciate stars that stay. History does too.

If he stays and delivers a title, Thunder fans will never forget him. As a Cavs fan, I selfishly hope he fails to win a championship wherever he goes (because he’s not coming to Cleveland and I’m hoping for a Cavs dynasty). But I also know how much it hurts to see a player like Durant leave. I don’t wish that on Oklahoma City. I hope Kevin Durant chooses to stay.