Kevin Durant Joining Team USA in 2016 Olympics?

Kevin Durant, who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has expressed his plan to play for Team USA in the 2016 Olympics which is scheduled to take place in Brazil.

In an interview with ESPN, Durant explained that he withdrew from the recently-concluded FIBA World Cup in Spain last August because of fatigue.

Sports Illustrated said that Durant told Team USA director Jerry Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski that he was "...physically and mentally drained from the NBA season and his attention to his many responsibilities."

It was initially speculated that he left the team because of the injury of Paul George and his pending contract signing with Under Armour or Nike at the time.

An NBC Sports report also noted that it was a hard choice for Durant bailing out on his teammates especially that he also wanted to really play basketball for his country.

"If it was just games (with Team USA), like straight games, it would have been perfect. But the travel and the practice and the shoot-a-rounds, it was something where I (said), 'All right, I've got to really scale back a little bit and get ready for our season,'" he added.

Despite his absence, Team USA still remain undefeated in the FIBA World Cup after it toppled down Serbia with an amazing 129-92 score.

But his past misgivings seemed to have been forgotten since every one is excited to see him in the 2016 Olympics which will also be made more exciting with this free agency next summer.

NBC Sports reported that the best option for Durant is to opt out of the OKC, seek free agency, then re-sign with his current team. With this move, the Thunder star will surely catch some attention in his planned participation in the Rio Olympics and his endorsements will surely capitalize on this opportunity.

The 6-foot-9 Durant is expected to perform his best in Brazil with his stats averaging 32 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists per games. His skills will be much needed by the US national team.

Other NBA superstars like LeBron James have not confirmed their participation in the 2016 Olympics but fans are definitely hoping that they will announce their plans soon.

Fox Sports reported that James is still undecided if he will be part of the Olympic dream team.

"I'm nowhere near there. I haven't even thought about it too much. Obviously, I know what's going on and what's happening. I haven't decided," he explained.

James, according to Fox Sports, has joined the Olympic team for three years already and was given the chance to win a bronze medal and two golds.

Like Durant, he was also a "non-participant" in the FIBA World Cup since he wanted to use his free time in deciding to return to Cleveland.