Kevin Durant has finally spoken in depth on the reasons he made one of the most controversial decisions in recent basketball history, to move from Oklahoma to Golden State for next season.
“It’s been hectic. A lot of attention comes with being in this position,” Durant said of the free-agency process. “When I met these guys, I felt as comfortable as I’ve ever felt. It was organic. It was authentic. It was real. It was feelings I couldn’t ignore.
“… I feel great. I feel excited about this opportunity.”
Durant, who announced his decision to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, was introduced by the Warriors after his contract, a two-year, $54.3 million deal with a player option after the first year, was finalised Thursday.
He will be the highest-paid player on a roster that also boasts two-time reigning MVP Stephen Curry, splash brother Klay Thompson and controversial Power Forward Draymond Green.
“To add another guy who is so talented … He’s not just a shooter, not just a defender. He’s a basketball player. The combination of all these guys together should be a lot of fun to watch.” said coach Steve Kerr
Golden State set an NBA regular-season record with 73 wins and led the league in scoring last season, but the Warriors fell just short of a repeat NBA title and lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games.
“We try to get better every day we wake up,” Warriors GM Bob Myers said. “You never expect to get this much better. We love people that love to play basketball. We love high-character people. You can’t find a better embodiment of that than the guy sitting next to me. We all can dream. Most of the times the dreams don’t come true.”
The Warriors will go into next season heavy favourites to take the championship with what many experts are regarding as one of the most star-studded line ups of all time on paper.
