NBA free agency started out in a frenzy. Plenty of players signing for ridiculous contracts and some switched jerseys and are moving to new cities heading into next season.
The past two days have almost come to standstill thanks to one person: Kevin Durant.
After taking meetings with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat, the notion around the NBA was that KD had two front runners. Either stay with Oklahoma City or bolt to Oakland with the Warriors.
The decision has finally been made and he’s headed to Golden State to team up with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and the Warriors after his team lost to them in the Western Conference Finals by giving up a 3-1 series lead. Surely, the new face Dub Nation are the clear favorites to win the title next season.
“The primary mandate I had for myself in making this decision was to have it based on the potential for my growth as a player — as that has always steered me in the right direction. But I am also at a point in my life where it is of equal importance to find an opportunity that encourages my evolution as a man: moving out of my comfort zone to a new city and community which offers the greatest potential for my contribution and personal growth. With this in mind, I have decided that I am going to join the Golden State Warriors.
It really pains me to know that I will disappoint so many people with this choice, but I believe I am doing what I feel is the right thing at this point in my life and my playing career.”
This move leaves the Thunder out to dry next season, with only Russell Westbrook and the young core left on the team. Russ is practically a sure shot to bounce in 2017 free agency, right? Who’s to say that Sam Presti doesn’t trade him before his contract finishes to get something for him before losing him for nothin. It’s safe to say Westbrook will play like a demon unleashed (as if that was even MORE possible) for the next 82 games, either way.
Let the KD jerseys in OKC begin burning.
— Corey Reeves (@CoreyJReeves) July 4, 2016
Kevin Durant will sign a two-year deal with the Warriors at $54.3 million, league sources say, with a Player Option for Year 2
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 4, 2016
"The BasedGod" wants to speak,As life unravels and superstars make decisions that change lifes, welcome home KD the curse is lifted – Lil B
— Lil B THE BASEDGOD (@LILBTHEBASEDGOD) July 4, 2016
In meeting, Bob Myers told Durant: Without you, we can another title or two. Without us, you might win too. Together? We'll win a bunch.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) July 4, 2016
We've never had reigning back-to-back MVPs play on the same team. Happy birthday, America
— Amin Elhassan (@AminESPN) July 4, 2016
Now everybody wanna play for the heat and the Lakers? Let's go back to being competitive and going at these peoples!
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) July 16, 2010
[Source]