When Kevin Durant joined the Golden State Warriors in 2016, some believed his stint with the club would only last a brief period. However now two seasons later, Durant remains a Warrior but this upcoming summer brings along no shortage of speculation.
Durant inked a two-year extension with Golden State just this past offseason but with a player option included, several teams are reportedly set to launch an all-out pursuit for the dynamic forward in 2019. With rumors running rampant, Durant has apparently already grown frustrated with the questions regarding his looming free agency decision. Following from Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes.
“I don’t need [to be recruited], I don’t need to feel appreciated,” Durant told Yahoo Sports on Tuesday after a 108-100 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on opening night. “I don’t need anything extra [from the Warriors]. I’m just here to hoop and win games. I already know what this organization is about…”
“I just want people to focus on basketball, focus on what goes on the court. I know it’s hard to keep up with it. I know it’s easy to look at that type of [expletive] because it’s the entertainment side. But wait until the season is over with to analyze [free agency]. I know it’s your job and it’s hard to say that, but try to shift some of your focus to the court, too. I know you have to still do your job and check on stuff like that, but every day? Every city I go to? Come on, man. I said what I had to say at media day. I understand your job, but let’s come to a little agreement. Don’t ask me every time you see me. If it’s the first time I’m seeing y’all, I don’t mind answering. But every time? Come on, bro.”
With the NBA season now underway, it’s evident that Kevin Durant will put his career-altering decision on the backburners as the Warriors strive for that elusive three-peat.
The Warriors are once again loaded with all the requisite pieces to make yet another title run this season. With a legitimate chance at winning a third straight championship, there isn’t much motive for Durant to leave following the season’s conclusion.
The Warriors dynasty continues to build and though teams such as the Clippers, Knicks and Lakers are all reportedly interested in Durant, no other NBA team provides the opportunity to win more than Golden State. Along with Durant, Klay Thompson is also set to hit free agency next summer, setting the stage for what will be an incredibly vital offseason in the Bay Area.
