“They Beat The Sh*t Out Of Steph”: Why Golden State Warriors Pushed For Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant still gets criticized for his move to the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 Free Agency. He was termed as ring-chaser, snake, and many other infamous nicknames. But the Warriors needed him just as much as he needed the Warriors. On the JJ Redick podcast, Redick and ESPN’s Bomani Jones discussed why Warriors had to sign Durant.

“The big impetus for them trying to get KD was when they lost (after) being up 3-1,” Redick said. “They beat the shit out of Steph. (Iman Shumpert) beat the shit out of Steph for those seven games. I felt like they had to get Durant because they were in a place where they did need another player who could get his own shot.” 

Jones also said the other players around Steph perfectly complimented his game but for playoffs, they needed more. Klay Thompson is probably the best catch & shoot players in the league and but being able to create your own shot is a trait neither he nor his other teammates (except Curry) possessed.

If Kevin Durant is available why think twice?

In the 2016 Free Agency, Durant was the best available player. So if you can go for him, why not? Jones said, “In the playoffs, you just wind up needing guys who can get their own shots. And if they say hey you need to get a guy who can get his own shot and Kevin Durant is available, then you go get Kevin Durant.”

On July 5th, 2016, Durant announced that he was joining the Warriors through an article on Players Tribune. He signed a two-year, $54.3 million deal with a player option in the second year. Now along with Curry, the Warriors had an offensive mastermind. Someone who could shoot from outside, shoot off the dribble or even drive to the paint.

His arrival made it easier for the Warriors. In that season, they had a historic postseason as they sealed the title with just one loss in the whole playoffs. They successfully defended their title next year as well but were stopped by the Raptors as they attempted a three-peat. Following the loss in the 2019 NBA Finals, Durant decided to part ways with the Warriors and arrived in Brooklyn with Kyrie Riving to start a new chapter and a new legacy.

Sources:

Bomani Jones on the Importance of Using One’s Platform Correctly | The JJ Redick Podcast