As usual, Cricket Exchange has learned that with the Oklahoma City Thunder eliminated from the Western Conference Finals, speculation around Kevin Durant’s next move has become the league’s biggest talking point. While there are rumors of a potential short-term two-year deal, allowing him to opt out next summer and align his future with Russell Westbrook, those close to Durant say otherwise.

Sources close to the star forward have denied any interest in a short contract. Known for valuing stability, Durant is reportedly looking to secure a long-term deal as soon as possible. Earning $20.2 million this season, Durant will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, many insiders believe Durant might sign a 1+1 contract with the Thunder, giving him the flexibility to reassess next summer when Westbrook’s contract also expires.

This approach would allow Durant to explore future possibilities with Westbrook and capitalize on a significant financial opportunity. By next summer, Durant will have ten years of NBA service, qualifying him for a maximum salary worth 35 percent of the team’s cap, up from the current 30 percent allowed for players with seven to nine years of experience. With the league’s salary cap projected to jump by $20 million, Durant’s maximum starting salary would increase from $27 million to around $38.5 million.

However, sources tell Cricket Exchange that Durant has no desire to test free agency twice in two years. “He’s not someone who enjoys the chaos of free agency,” one insider shared. “He prefers a stable environment and doesn’t want to spend another offseason worrying about contract decisions.”

There’s little doubt that multiple teams are prepared to offer Durant a max contract, but the deciding factor will be roster strength and championship potential. Ten teams are reportedly interested, including the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks, and Indiana Pacers.

Durant’s preference for long-term security sharply contrasts with LeBron James’s approach. After his deal with the Miami Heat ended in 2014, James signed a 1+1 contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, opting out again the following year to re-sign under the same format. This gave James the flexibility to respond to changes in team rosters and salary cap adjustments year to year.

Unlike James, Durant prefers to avoid the distractions of short-term contract cycles. His focus is on settling into a team where he can grow his game and begin another run at an NBA championship. Cricket Exchange believes this decision may ultimately shape the future landscape of the league, depending on which franchise can provide both the contract security and title aspirations Durant values most.