Turkey-based news outlets are this morning reporting that Beşiktaş Cola Turka, a.k.a. Deron Williams’ new and Allen Iverson’s former team, is setting its sights on Kevin Durant as Kobe Bryant has not yet responded to overtures from the big-thinking TBL club.
Turkish news outlet Milliyet stated that Durant’s agent Aaron Goodwin met with Beşiktaş president Yildrim Demirören and GM Şeref Yalçın to discuss the possibility of the Oklahoma City Thunder sensation joining D-Will should the 2011-12 NBA season “begin” with the lockout conditions still imposed.
While Milliyet has Durant quoted as stating that “If Kobe does not accept, I will come to Turkey” (“Kobe kabul etmezse, ben Türkiye’ye gelirim”), ESPN-via-Vatan a bit more soberly explains that Beşiktaş is still seeking Bryant’s services with Durant as a second option to woo. Goodwin is quoted at ESPN.com as saying “The Turkish option is very intriguing. We’re looking at other countries as well. Kevin hasn’t agreed to play anywhere yet, but we’re looking for the best fit.”
Said other countries include Spain (Imagine a starting lineup including Marcelinho Huertas, Juan Carlos Navarro and K.D. for FC Barcelona … Whoa, highest-scoring Euroleague team ever?) and Russia.
Goodwin also claimed at ESPN that his client Jamal Crawford of the Atlanta Hawks has received offers from Turkish clubs as well.
