Why you can’t get mad if Kevin Durant leaves

Kevin Durant is set to make the biggest decision of his life. If he leaves, Oklahoma City cannot be upset with him.

I’m all about loyalty. I believe there’s honor in staying in a relationship. I commend faithfulness and admire those who are steadfast. Commitment and dedication are on my short list of must-have qualities…

…in a marriage. In a friendship. In a brother, or a parent.

But, if I’m being honest, I don’t hold the NBA to the same requirements. Basketball is a game, and it’s a job that—when you look at the big picture—is a very short-lived one for those who play it.

Which is why you may not like what I’m about to say.

Kevin Durant may leave Oklahoma City. And we have to be okay with that.

There are a lot of reasons, and plenty of theories, that suggest he’ll stay in the Sooner State. At least, for one more year. But, just as easily as you can find those rumors, you can find the theories and reasons why he will leave.

Jan 22, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) drives to the basket as Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri (50) and forward Chandler Parsons (25) defend during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports — Jan 22, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) drives to the basket as Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri (50) and forward Chandler Parsons (25) defend during the second half at American Airlines Center. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Take, for example, the fact that he will be meeting with other teams this very week. In addition to possible others, Durant is slated to meet with the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors.

Regardless of which teams he’s meeting with or which coach may be wining-and-dining the MVP, here’s what I want you to hear:

If Kevin Durant leaves Oklahoma City, don’t act like Cleveland.

When LeBron James announced he was leaving the Cavaliers in 2010 to join the Miami Heat, Cleveland fans absolutely lost their minds. And, rightfully so. He was their “king,” and their only hope at bringing a championship to a city that had experienced a drought. They went nuts.

They burned LeBron jerseys. They cut them to shreds. They put Xs on the back, covering the despised number 23. They threw cardboard cutouts of LeBron in the trash. They changed Nike posters that read “We are all witness” to things like “Quitness” and “We are all witness to a quitter.” People actually feared fans would burn the stadium down.

They were livid. And as a result, it wasn’t the city’s finest hour. When LeBron announced his return in 2014, an awkwardness fell over the league. Welcome back to a town that completely destroyed everything that even remotely resembled you, LeBron.

May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Detail view of the Nike shoes worn by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

If Durant leaves, Oklahoma City can’t behave in the same way. We can’t. Here’s why:

Durant means a lot to this city, state, and franchise. Yes, leaving after nine years would hurt. It really would. But, Durant has shaped the Thunder and led it to places it may have never been without such young leadership. More than that, he has really made an impact on the city. He donated a million dollars to disaster relief following the 2013 tornadoes in Moore. He has a restaurant with some of the most delicious mashed potatoes money can buy. He’s a part of who we are, and to destroy that would be a huge mistake.

He is a phenomenal player. Of course, his talent is what makes so many Thunder fans want to keep him on the team. But, at the end of the day, he has a gift that needs to be utilized. If that means he’s better suited for another group of basketball players, we have to be excited about his room for growth and opportunity.

He didn’t promise us a championship.

As much as he wanted it himself, Durant didn’t make bold claims that he’d bring us a ring. He has given it his all, and he has, perhaps, even given his best years of basketball to the Thunder.

More from Thunderous Intentions

We are too classy. Oklahoma is already famous for pretty non-awesome stuff. Like, the Murrah bombing, tornadoes, and educational woes. We don’t need to add a temper tantrum resulting from the departure of a professional athlete to that sad list. We have the opportunity to show the rest of the country—and even the world—that we bounce back. If Durant leaves, fans everywhere will know we are hurt. They will be very aware of our pain. We can either burn Durant’s jerseys and choose to defame him, or we can say, “As Oklahomans, we respect Durant. We appreciate what he has done for us, and we look forward to growing our team.” Let’s take the higher road.

Jerseys are expensive. Simply put, if I see people burning Durant jerseys and other official merchandise, I’m gonna be so mad because those things are pricey. I want to buy one, but can’t justify the price. Literally setting your money on fire is ridiculous.

It’s his job.

And, in reality, NBA players don’t play for very long. So, they have to weigh decisions like free agency very seriously. Every single year is an important one when your career is as relatively short as a professional athlete. If you decide to leave your current job for a better opportunity, would your co-workers set fire to your desk and start social media campaigns to publicly discuss what a terrible human being you are? My guess is no. They would support you, maybe give you their email address to keep in touch, and wish you the best.

Dec 6, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) handles the ball while guarded by Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports — Dec 6, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) handles the ball while guarded by Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Next year could be worse. In 2017, many current Thunder players are set to make similar decisions. Russell Westbrook, Steven Adams, and others will be in Durant’s place. If we, as fans, react to a potential Durant departure with immaturity and hatred, we could set a precedent that makes other players anxious. And despite the fact that I think Westbrook already has one foot in the door of the Laker’s locker room, I would be destroyed if Steven Adams decided to leave because he didn’t like who we had become. I need him on the team, you guys. Need.

Kevin Durant isn’t from Oklahoma. It may feel like he is, and you may have have even forgotten that he’s not. But, he’s a Washington kid who doesn’t really have anything to prove here.

And, as a co-worker of mine pointed out in a very simple yet profound way:

We’ve been spoiled.

We have. The Thunder are very new, and this city was given its first taste of professional athleticism in the hands of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka (#4everinourhearts), and others. We’ve been spoiled.

Next: Free Agency: OKC’s Biggest Competition for Kevin Durant

I’m not advocating for Durant to leave the Thunder. That would (will?) be a very dark day in many Oklahoma City households, including my own. But, I am preparing the candles for an impromptu vigil should he decide it’s time to move on. And, I’m mentally prepping myself to be okay with a decision no one in Oklahoma wants. Just in case. And you should, too.