Oklahoma’s governor makes Kevin Durant an offer he cannot refuse
The Thunder’s season ended in devastating fashion after Oklahoma City took a 3-1 lead against the Warriors in the Western Conference finals, only to lose to Golden State in seven games, and now OKC superstar Kevin Durant holds the future of the franchise in his palm as he embarks on free agency.
In times of need, we turn to our local politicians, because they always have the solution and never pander to the masses, right? So, never fear, Sooners, because Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin has the answer.
“If Kevin Durant thinks about leaving, which I hope he doesn’t — Oklahoma loves Kevin Durant and Kevin Durant loves Oklahoma. But if he’ll stay, I’ll make him a Cabinet person for health and fitness on my Cabinet,” Fallin told an amused and applauding group of reporters gathered at the Oklahoma Press Association’s annual convention, according to the Tulsa World. “It might not be as attractive as a couple million dollars, but anyway …”
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There you have it. What could an NBA free agent possibly want more than the Secretary of Health and Human Services position in the great state of Oklahoma? The bright lights of L.A. and the beaches of Miami pale in comparison to the responsiblity of trying to keep Oklahomans away from their red meat.
When Durant sits down with a bunch of GMs offering him the world this summer, pitches from sweet-talkers like Pat Riley will be no match for Fallin’s hard sell of Oklahoma as the league’s basketball mecca.
“The Thunder did a great job promoting Oklahoma and getting through the playoffs and almost there. Very, very proud of the Thunder,” she added at Saturday’s thrilling question-and-answer session. “It was such an exciting time, put Oklahoma on the map every night. It was so fun to see us on national and international TV. I appreciate all of them.”
Nothing screams, “This is where it’s at,” like an entire state saying in unison: “Look, ma, we’re on TV!”
You don’t see Boston Mayor Marty Walsh offering Durant some of that sweet, sweet bureaucracy hotness in free agency, so we can stop worrying about where he’ll sign this summer, because he’s got the hook-up on the $195,489 Health and Human Services gig that’s made Dr. Terry L. Cline a household name.
Give Gov. Fallin credit for once again proving that our government is one of action, not empty promises.
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Ben Rohrbach is a contributor for Ball Don’t Lie and Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @brohrbach
