Oakland, CA — OKC Thunder NBA star Kevin Durant has decided to change teams, and has already signed with the Golden State Warriors. He has apparently decided that he has a better chance of winning an NBA championship with his future teammates Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
During his announcement, Durant said:
“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,” Durant said in the article. “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.”
But getting Durant to change teams wasn’t an easy thing to do. He had already met with the Los Angeles Clippers, the Boston Celtics, the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat once teams could begin negotiating with free agents. But the Warriors were able to seal the deal when Durant had a meeting with not just owner Joe Lacob, general manager Bob Myers, and coach of the year Steve Kerr — but also Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The whole crew had a private meeting with Durant, which apparently was very successful.
Regarding the change of teams, Durant commented:
“I’m from Washington, D.C. originally, but Oklahoma City truly raised me. It taught me so much about family as well as what it means to be a man. There are no words to express what the organization and the community mean to me, and what they will represent in my life and in my heart forever. The memories and friendships are something that go far beyond the game. Those invaluable relationships are what made this deliberation so challenging.”
“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.”
But naturally, OKC Thunder fans are highly upset, but seem to be respecting his decision.
Clayton I. Bennett, chairman of the team, said, “Kevin’s contributions to our organization during his nine years were profound, on and off the court. He helped the Thunder grow and succeed in immeasurable ways and impacted the community just the same. We thank him for his leadership, his play, and how he represented Oklahoma City and the entire state of Oklahoma.”