Earlier this month, Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant bought a piece of OKC-based frozen yogurt company Orange Leaf. It's not uncommon for professional athletes to form ties in the business communities in which they operate. But will those ties make it harder for Durant to leave the Thunder when his contract runs out?
One of the big questions being asked this offseason has been what will become of Kevin Durant when his contract with the Thunder runs out. One popular theory is that he will go back to his home town of Washington, D.C. to play with the Wizards.
But will his emerging interest in the Oklahoma City business community keep him tethered there? His advisors and Roc Nation associates are definitely helping him put down some roots (via Forbes):
"One of the things we are trying to do with Kevin is create real collaborative platforms for him with what I call emerging brands. When we talk about platforms, we talk about equity, having a stake in the company. Orange Leaf is a great company based in Oklahoma City looking to expand internationally and continue to expand in the U.S. and is a brand that is part of Kevin's life."
The mystery gets deeper when one considers Durant's diplomatic responses to questions about his potential departure (via Pippen Ain't Easy):
"I don't think about it all unless somebody brings it up. I focus on my teammates, the organization, these great fans in Oklahoma City, the state of Oklahoma, and just fighting for them every single day. Putting my body on the line for them every single night. That's all I'm worried about..."
So rest easy for now, Thunder fans. Enjoy Durant while you've got him.
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