Report: Turkish team starting negotiations with KD

Via Marc Stein of ESPN.com, Besiktas, better known as the professional Turkish team that signed Deron Williams and is trying to lure in Kobe Bryant, is trying to kickstart negotiations with Kevin Durant.

Agent Aaron Goodwin told ESPN.com on Tuesday night that he has met with officials from Turkish club Besiktas and has likewise begun exploring opportunities for Durant in Spain and Russia. Goodwin added that playing in China is not something Durant is considering at this time.

“The Turkish option is very intriguing,” Goodwin said. “We’re looking at other countries as well. Kevin hasn’t agreed to play anywhere yet, but we’re looking for the best fit.”

The Turkish newspaper VATAN has reported that Besiktas — if ultimately rejected by Bryant after weeks of trying to get the Los Angeles Lakers’ star swingman to commit to join New Jersey’s Williams at the Istanbul club in the event of an extended lockout — will shift its focus to trying to sign Durant.

If you recall, KD said as of about two weeks ago that he was 50-50 in terms of playing overseas if a lockout caused games to be missed. But this deal sounds like it’s contingent on the Kobe deal falling through, which by most accounts, most certainly will. (Some reports have said that there’s a “zero percent” chance Kobe will sign in Turkey. China is the real option.)

Clearly if the NBA loses games, Durant is going to be hunting for a place to ball. We’ve seen all summer that he has to be dribbling and shooting something in order to live, so take that away from him and he’s going to look at options. Whether it’s Turkey, Spain, Russia or a driveway near you, Durant is going to be playing somewhere come November.