ChiCitySox, you are wrong about how to build a team in the NBA here.
Durant would choose the Bulls becuase its a top 5 market where his sell power and corporate deals can out weigh increased taxes. First of all, there are 3-5 destinations that make more sense for Durant, we were never in the running, and we don't have a roster that makes sense to him.
But from the Bulls perspective, I think you are missing some subtelty of the effects of the salary cap. In the truth, you don't have to be a top 5 player to be worth a max contract to the team. Each team can have 2-3 maxes, which means max contract is only a waste if its not a top 30-45 player.
Durant is set to be a top 45 player for the next 5-7 years, the length of his contract, and EVERY SINGLE TEAM IN THE LEAGUE would sign Durant if he chose them.
Every single one. So you might ask yourself or try to explain why you are on a complete island alone arguing about this. What is your point? The timing is bad?
Yeah, its not ideal, its not going to happen, and your perspective doesn't make much sense to anyone.