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Kevin Durant to return to Oklahoma City Thunder, according to report

By Alex Butler
Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant (35) goes in for a dunk in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on May 26, 2016. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 120-111. Pool photo by Carlos Avila Gonzalez/UPI
Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant (35) goes in for a dunk in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on May 26, 2016. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 120-111. Pool photo by Carlos Avila Gonzalez/UPI | License Photo

OKLAHOMA CITY, June 30 (UPI) -- As the minute hand ticks past 11:59 p.m. tonight and NBA free agency begins, expect a bit less drama than anticipated.

According to ESPN's Marc Spears, the most coveted free agent has mostly made his decision on destination.

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Spears reported Thursday that Kevin Durant's decision is 90 percent made.

"His decision is 90 percent made. It would take an amazing sales pitch to change it," one of Durant's longtime friends told Spears.

Still that 10 percent chance leaves room for a multitude of other talented teams to wine and dine the former NBA MVP.

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Those teams include the likes of the San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, and Boston Celtics.

"Don't stress too hard, Thunder fans," Spears wrote. "Yes, Durant, 27, is the star of this year's NBA free agency reality show. But barring an incredible sales job, several friends and business colleagues close to the 2014 NBA MVP expect him to return to Oklahoma City for at least another year."

Durant could bank as much as $40.7 million annually with the Thunder, more than he could pocket anywhere else. Durant and the Thunder nearly made it to the NBA Finals last season, beating the Spurs before losing a 3-1 series lead to the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals.

The Thunder, the first team to meet with Durant, are now expected to score a meeting with him at the end of his tour as well.

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In an effort to appease its superstar, the Thunder traded Serge Ibaka last week and brought in guard Victor Oladipo. The Thunder is also rumored to be going after Atlanta Hawks free agent Al Horford. Durant is expected to cash in on a big one-year deal and be a free agent, along with teammate Russell Westbrook, in 2017.

Durant told the Oklahoman that he approved of the trade for Oladipo and even called him a "good buddy."

"It's a good move," Durant told the Oklahoman. "I like Oladipo. He's a good buddy, a friend of mine, and I'm definitely going to miss playing with Serge. He contributed so much to our organization and to the city, and he's a pioneer for what he's done for us and it'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 and his Roc Nation Sports advisors will meet with the Thunder first, then he'll travel to New York and meet Friday with the Warriors and Clippers in the Hamptons. He is scheduled to meet with the Celtics and Spurs on Saturday and hear from the Heat on Sunday. Durant made $20.1 million this season. That salary should balloon under the NBA's new salary cap.

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CSN Mid-Atlantic reported Tuesday that Durant's hometown Washington Wizards moved on from chasing the superstar after not being granted a meeting.

Durant is set to pace the United States Olympic squad this summer in Rio de Janeiro. The nine-year veteran has averaged 27.4 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 641 games for the Thunder. He has led the NBA in scoring four times during his career.

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