With the crown on his head, Kevin Durant is now bidding his time to establish his claim. In the aftermath of Team USA’s narrow win against Serbia in the Semi-Finals, the Phoenix Suns star had reportedly taken a shot at American fans who were favoring Nikola Jokic over their national team. Now, after having won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics by defeating host country France, Durant has chosen to not forget the ‘disrespect’ so easily. Fortunately, he has Ja Morant’s backing in the endeavor.

Fresh from the gold medal game, Durant scoured the internet and came across an unflattering post. The user, Swipa Cam, was the same one who had earlier shown his love for Nikola Jokic’s efforts at the close semi-final game, aggravating Durant and causing him to ask “Where you from?” Now, the user used the NBA player’s quote as a hashtag and posted a picture of himself donning USWNT player Sophia Smith’s jersey. Despite it being almost 3 am in Paris back then, Durant was quick to reply by sharing a photo of Ja Morant. The same was taken from an oft-posted video of the Memphis Grizzles guard asking people to “stay on that side” after a Grizzlies game.

Despite not being tagged, Morant was able to come across his on-court rival’s tweet. Fortunately, he endorsed Durant’s message, as he retweeted the post and attached his own caption alongside that read “talk to em !!”

The now four-time Olympic Gold Medalist’s tweet comes as he defends his squad online for the second time just this week. Earlier, after he put out the “Where you from” remark against Swipa Cam, a debate ensued on X against him and fans who wanted to show support for Jokic despite his allegiance to a different national team. Durant himself clarified that he, along with several members of the NBA fraternity, respected the three-time MVP. However, this does not mean that the same people have to worship him by rooting against the national team.

“Players got major respect for Jok, we don’t worship him like yall do but most are in awe of his brilliance” wrote Durant. “Trolling you cornballs for rooting against us is apart of the game. Deal wit it.”

In the end, it didn’t matter whether the fans went on to support Team USA or not. Kevin Durant played a major role in ensuring that, as he secured a score of 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists during the finals. The same was achieved with the 35-year-old going 5-12 with his field goals, 3-9 with his three-pointers, and 2-2 with the free throws. Winning his fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal allowed Durant to go past the tie that he held with former player Carmelo Anthony and emerge as the most decorated basketball player in the history of Team USA.

Even if Ja Morant wanted to be a member of the Team USA squad this time around, the same wouldn’t have been possible. After all, the 2x NBA All-Star was limited to just 9 games during the recent NBA season after he developed a shoulder injury along with an unfortunate suspension. This caused him to simply cheer from the sidelines. However, things may be different in the next Olympics!

Will Ja Morant and Kevin Durant team up for the 2028 LA Olympics?

According to a report by Beale St Bears, Ja Morant could very well join the Team USA squad that will participate in the 2028 Summer Olympics being held in Los Angeles. Since the duo of LeBron James and Stephen Curry will be 43 and 40 years old respectively by that time, along with other veterans set to be in their late 30s, there may open up some spots within the four-year period. However, while this same factor may allow Morant a place, it may or may not allow Durant to compete.

Kevin Durant himself will be 39 by the time the LA games approach. As a result, he has not chosen to give a clear answer on whether he will return to fight for a fifth Olympic gold medal or that. In a recent interview with USA Basketball writer Mathew Silver, he stated, “I try to stay in the present as much as I can and just try to enjoy the moment. Keep your body in shape, keep your mind in the right place. You never know.” The player also remained neutral even after winning the Finals against France, simply saying “We’ll see” during the post-game presser.

With his national career being close to nothing at the moment, Morant may be ready to step up if the opportunity presents itself. Whether Durant will choose to do the same, only time will tell.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.