“Yeah, that’s what I want to do,” Durant said. “I want to be here. I want to be part of this organization.”

Negotiations between Durant’s representatives and the Thunder can start July 1. A deal must be reached by Oct. 31 or Durant will become a restricted free agent in 2011. Durant, however, said he can’t foresee it getting to that point.

“If they did offer (a max contract), that would be something that nobody could turn down,” Durant told Fanhouse. “I would be blessed and privileged and honored. …To know that I can be with a team for a couple (more) years will be cool.”

Durant told the Web site that he’s not concerned with playing in a larger market that could bring heightened exposure and greater endorsement dollars.

“I didn’t get in the game for just the money,” Durant said. “I want to be somewhere where I’m comfortable, where I have a chance to win a championship, and I think that will be here.”

Under league rules, teams are prohibited from commenting on or entering into any contract negotiations until July 1. In response to Thursday’s report, Thunder general manager Sam Presti only reiterated the team’s support for its franchise player.

“As we have consistently communicated, Kevin is a valued member of our organization,” Presti said. “We look forward to having those discussions at the appropriate time. Until then, our focus will remain on continuing to improve as a team.”