Wednesday Bolts – 2.4.15
Berry Tramel: “But the Thunder wants Collison around in the future. Derek Fisher retired to coach the Knickerbockers. Kendrick Perkins’ contract is up, and he might want more money than the Thunder will be willing to pay. Just exactly who would be the Thunder elder statesman if Collison were to leave? The Thunder’s young guns are not all that young anymore — Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will be 27 next season; Serge Ibaka will be 26 — but even superstars need a savvy veteran on whom to lean. Check out Durant’s quick congratulations for Collison’s contract and Durant’s quick defense when some blogger started talking trash. “Mr. Thunder,” Durant called Collison. I repeat. Durant called Collison. The Thunder wants Collison around. The Thunder wants Collison as much for his teammate skills as his ballplaying skills.”
Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com: “Because of the rising salary cap, Durant could sign the largest contract in NBA history if he accepts a full maximum contract extension from the Thunder in two years. Some speculate such a deal could approach $200 million if Durant wanted to take a full five-year offer. With Durant’s free agency looming, the Thunder have begun to loosen their purse strings. They are currently projected to pay the luxury tax for the first time, and the Collison deal may have been slightly over what his market value would have been next summer (it was more than the $3.3 million a contending and luxury tax-paying team could have offered). What Durant says, does or wears between now and July 2016 has limited meaning. Nothing is binding until he uses his signature to agree with a team more than a year from now. But when he last addressed the topic, two weeks ago, he echoed some of the same things Collision pointed to after re-upping in OKC himself.”
Durant is doubtful tonight.
Darnell Mayberry: “The contract isn’t just some lifetime achievement award. The Thunder thinks Collison still can contribute. He has a well-established reputation as one of the best charge-takers in the league and for being a savvy team defender. Collison also has become known for making plays as a passer from the high post, connecting with any number of his teammates in a fundamental two-man game.”
Perk’s 20-point jumper checklist.
Adam Silver favors expanding All-Star rosters.
Brett Pollakoff of PBT: “One more thought, and that’s how Collison’s deal may or may not tie in with Kevin Durant, and his free agency that will be upon us at the conclusion of next season. It’s seems like a stretch to make any real connection; if Durant wants to continue to be in Oklahoma City, the team will unquestionably roll out a max contract offer for him to do so — even if it ends up being in the $200 million range. There’s no negotiation to be had where Durant is concerned, which is why his situation isn’t at all one that’s similar.”
