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Kevin Durant approves of Oklahoma City Thunder draft-night deal

By The Sports Xchange
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) stands on the floor during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago on March 17, 2014. The Thunder defeated the Bulls 97-85. UPI/Brian Kersey
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) stands on the floor during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago on March 17, 2014. The Thunder defeated the Bulls 97-85. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

Kevin Durant is just days away from becoming a free agent and remains tight-lipped about his future plans.

For now, he's still a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and he said he really liked the draft-night trade in which the franchise acquired guard Victor Oladipo, forward Ersan Ilyasova and draft pick Domantas Sabonis from the Orlando Magic in exchange for forward Serge Ibaka.

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"It's a good move, man," Durant said at a Team USA media availability session in New York. "I like Oladipo, he's one of my good buddies, a friend of mine. Definitely going to miss playing with Serge. He contributed so much to our organization and to the city.

"Just what he's done for us, he's always going to be remembered in OKC what he's done for the community and his hard work on the court. So we wish him the best."

Durant wasn't so chatty when it comes to his impending free agency on July 1.

"We'll figure things out," Durant said. "It's three days away."

Durant reportedly plans to add face-to-face meetings with the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers in addition to previously reported talks with the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder at the outset of free agency.

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The Atlanta Hawks also reportedly hope to get involved in the chase.

Durant is still officially a member of the Thunder until his contract runs out at 12:01 a.m. Friday when NBA free agency begins.

Durant, 27, is also considering meeting with the New York Knicks but has no plans to talk to his hometown Washington Wizards, according to ESPN.

Durant has been in New York in advance of Monday's official unveiling of the 12-man squad that will represent USA Basketball at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Durant, who has spent his entire nine-year career with the Thunder organization, is the most coveted player available this offseason.

The 6-foot-9, 240-pound Durant, a seven-time All Star, has averaged 27.4 points per game over his NBA career, and was named the league's MVP following the 2013-14 season. He averaged 28.2 points per game last season and led the Thunder to within one victory of the NBA Finals.

Durant can be offered a four-year deal or choose to take the higher-risk route with a potential monster reward next summer by opting for a one-year deal with a player option.

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