The 1 year extension gets Durant's max contract starting at 30M instead of 25M. Certainly Durant could do that. Lot of people thought players would do that last offseason, but didn't, like LMA. Get your contract security and pick the right winning situation for the future. Durant has a huge deal with Nike already at 300M. At this point in his career he might not want to "wait around" if he can jump to a situation that is right for him "right now." I think all options are open. BTW, Nook, all of those scenarios you laid out....that type of anarchy would be delicious.
I don't know D.C. still makes a whole lot of sense. 1. First Durant needs to get the hell out of the West to avoid Warriors and Spurs in the playoffs as much as possible like until the Finals. 2. The Wizards are flushed with cash this summer. They have about $45 Million in guaranteed salaries with Wall, Gortat, and Morris all locked up on soon-to-be bargain deals until 2019. Assuming the salary cap jumps to $90 Million, the Wizards will have half the cap like $45 Million to spend. That's enough cash to get Durant plus another star like Drummond or Horford to create a balanced inside-outside team.
$45 for Durant AND Drummond? lolno Drummond is a RFA, he's not going anywhere. Durant is gonna demand $25-30 per. Horford isn't taking $15-$20m when he can get $25 elsewhere
Durant's max this offseason is 25M per. Same for Horford. Durant most likely won't consider the Wiz because they are young and he wants to "win now" per WOJ. http://thebiglead.com/2016/02/20/kevin-durant-lakers-free-agency-warriors/ Here is how the Rockets could land Durant
That's like saying that someone 5,000 bucks isn't important for someone making 100K a year. Of course it matters. Its not all encompassing of his decision but there is no reason for it NOT to be a factor. Money aside though, the Thunder are really really stinking good right now. If he feels confident about his health, and considering Russ' contract situation, I don't see why the one more year in OKC plan wouldn't be a huge draw.
Conspiracy theories: Where will Kevin Durant go in free agency? http://www.si.com/nba/2016/03/30/kevin-durant-free-agency-rumors-thunder-lakers-celtics-heat-warriors