Kevin Durant Rumors: Clippers, Celtics and Heat Land Recruiting Meetings

The Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers have been in line for meetings with Kevin Durant since The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on June 24 they had been speaking with the former MVP's representatives about setting up sit downs, and dates for their recruitment pitches have now officially been scheduled.  

According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, the Clippers will speak with Durant on Friday, while the Celtics and Heat will try and sway this year's biggest free-agent prize on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. 

NBA.com's David Aldridge reported the Oklahoma City Thunder will speak with Durant first on Thursday evening. The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, will split time with the Clippers on Friday. The San Antonio Spurs are also scheduled to meet with Durant on Saturday. 

According to ESPN.com's Chris Broussard, Durant's meeting with the Thunder will take place in Oklahoma City. The other meetings will proceed as scheduled in the Hamptons on Long Island, New York, per Wojnarowski. 

By all accounts, the Thunder are in the lead to nab Durant—at least for one more year. 

Citing league sources, Wojnarowski reported "The Thunder remain the frontrunners to re-sign Durant, likely on a one-plus-one-year deal that will allow Durant to return to free agency in the summer of 2017." 

However, the Warriors have seemingly emerged as legitimate contenders to land Durant because they're able to appeal to his primary desire. 

"Durant’s public and private criteria for the free-agent selection process have pertained to a singular focus: the chance to win titles immediately," Wojnarowski wrote. 

The Celtics and Heat are compelling options because the Eastern Conference isn't remotely near as top-heavy as the Western Conference, but neither club currently has the pieces to evolve into a top-tier title contender that can compete with the likes of the Thunder, Warriors and Spurs right away even with Durant in the fold. 

The Clippers, meanwhile, would need to perform some serious cap gymnastics in order to find space for Durant with Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin already under contract. 

The good news is it likely won't be long until teams have clarity on Durant's future and can look ahead to the rest of free agency. According to Wojnarowski, Durant is expected to make his decision by July 9.