The Oklahoma City Thunder has become the latest team fighting for position to sign incoming free agent Danny Granger, who is expected to be bought out of his contract by the Philadelphia 76ers in the coming hours, a source close to situation reported on Tuesday.

Looking to make a return trip in the finals after bowing out in the Western Conference semis last year, OKC is reportedly searching for a player that would further give them depth heading into the crucial stretch of the season.

Granger, who is averaging just over eight points and four rebounds per game, was traded by the Pacers to the Sixers in exchange for former No. 2 overall pick Evan Turner and Lavoy Allen in the 11^th hour of last week's trade deadline.

The former All-Star was reportedly unhappy to play for a rebuilding team like the Sixers, deciding to negotiate a buyout with the Sixers management and become a free agent with less than two months remaining in the 2013-14 regular season.

According to the latest report, the Sixers and Granger are reportedly near pulling off a buyout deal that would release Granger from the final year of his current contract worth $14 million.

"I think in the next short period of time, I would suspect maybe even as early as 24 hours, an announcement will be made on what direction our situation with Danny will go," 76ers coach Brett Brown told USA Today about the situation involving Granger.

The San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat have emerged as favorites to land the service of Granger. The Heat have already opened a roster spot after trading veteran shooter Roger Mason last week, while the Spurs are seen as perfect environment for a championship-hungry player like Granger because of the presence of head coach Greg Popovich.

However, rumors indicate the Thunder are also in the mix for Granger. Oklahoma City currently have the best record in the Western Conference, but Granger's potential inclusion in the lineup would certainly help the team heading into the postseason.

"For Danny's destination, the Jakes are hearing the Miami Heat is likely, New York probably not, San Antonio might be, and OKC is a chance also," SB Nation noted.