Kevin Durant signs with the Golden State Warriors

[Menses]

I think it's pretty clear now that KD threw game 6 of the WCFs. I said it than and I believe it even more now. It's not like OKC isn't stacked with talent themselves. Only logical reason is Russ made it clear to him that he wasn't staying after this year either, so he might as well bolt for the best situation now.

He absolutely threw it...he deliberately threw passes to Curry and Igudala that were inappropriately called " turnovers " ...Any time the star player is leaving his team...he cannot very well win the championship that year...he has to lose...and lose in the most dramatic and heartbreaking way. Lebron did the same thing in 2010 against Boston...up 2-1 and then s h i t the bed...He will win a few championships in Oakland then go home and win 1 for OKC...sound familiar ?

[MoneyLineDawg]

Never dreamed I see somebody one up Lebron's bitch move. James move made sense. The way he left Cleveland was distasteful,but KD? Couldn't imagine a wealthy kneegrow baller needing to go there. Let's say he stayed with OKC or went to Celtics and he never won the chip and played out his career and amassed about 1/2 a billion dollars!! The worst that could be said is you couldn't get it done? But you are richer than most people you will ever see and your pride and dignity is intact. I could live with that rather than be ostracized as a straight up cun!

If KD gets a ring, he won't even Surpass the likes of Stockton, Malone, Miller, or Barkley in my eyes.

I have more respect for them even though they didn't get a ring.

If you basically sell out to ride the coat tails of the best team in the league to get that ring does it actually mean anything?

I'm glad someone that's not a Thunder fan agrees.

Go Spurs. Go Cavs. Go clippers.

Agree with you guys.....Whoever was advising KD is a complete moron. If KD made the decision himself he's also a fukkin moron

You can't just "buy" a ring and expect people to give you respect for it. Anything he does with Golden State will be looked at as "meh that's nice I guess".

If he stayed in OKC and never won a title I think way more people would respect the hell out of him...I know I would

Legacy is shot unless this is just a one year deal

[Menses]

If Westbrook isn't coming back after this year
You have to trade him or you get nothing in return.

The Thunder are in a tough spot.

Westbrook has announced...he is NOT signing an extension...This was the reason Horford signed with Boston...He was told Westbrook had no intention of Resigning in OKC...this is the reason Durant is leaving...its all tied in with Westbrook...Durant would not leave OKC if Russel was staying...you bring in Gasol or Horford and OKC gets a ring...but of course...the league is rigged for GSW and Cleveland...

[Art Vandelay]

Wonder where Westbrook ends up next year now, easily could have an mvp season this year maybe go to lakers after this season , bs he deserved a ring I'd hate durant if I was him

They should trade him now! No way he is resigning w/out KD and they will get a boatload in return.

[Git Lo]

Maybe KD doesn't care what we think, I hope he doesn't read this thread.

[glit3r]

i think that is good for him given he is widely considered the NBA’s most impactful free agent to hit the open market

[lyon804]

If KD gets a ring, he won't even Surpass the likes of Stockton, Malone,
Miller, or Barkley in my eyes.

I have more respect for them even though they didn't get a ring.

If you basically sell out to ride the coat tails of the best team in the league to get that ring does it actually mean anything?

I'm glad someone that's not a Thunder fan agrees.

Go Spurs. Go Cavs. Go clippers.

My sentiments exactly!

[bigtymer56]

Maybe KD doesn't care what we think, I hope he doesn't read this thread.

Lmao...Im sure just like Lebron and the Big Three, when Durant wins his first championship, he's going to cry himself to sleep at night because he didn't win it with the fans respect.

Will never understand in sports, why you get more "respect" for being a dumbass and handicapping yourself. Do what's best for you. There is no loyalty. The second you arent good enough anymore, your expendable. Ask Ibaka.

[brooks85]

wow, what a dirtball move. People got mad at lebron for absolutely no good reason and he didn't even go to a "team" to begin with. Durant loses 3-1 lead then hops ship to the team that beat him? I can't imagine what it will be like if GSW wins next year. Of course, GSW fans won't care but the rest of the world won't be impressed with durant. Everyone is going to be looking at him like a sidekick.

[BigDofBA]

wow, what a dirtball move. People got mad at lebron for absolutely no good reason and he didn't even go to a "team" to begin with. Durant loses 3-1 lead then hops ship to the team that beat him? I can't imagine what it will be like if GSW wins next year. Of course, GSW fans won't care but the rest of the world won't be impressed with durant. Everyone is going to be looking at him like a sidekick.

Exactly. OKC gave Durant everything he needed to win a title.

Then KD goes to the very team he choked a 3-1 lead to

[jjgold]

So sick of this coverage

[BriGuy]

The Warriors are a 4/5 payout to win the NBA Championship at the Westgate. Has this ever happened before??!?

I can't find the historical data, but I sure as heck can't remember anytime a preseason payout schedule was LESS than even money for one specific team. Does anyone know of any examples?? (Please note I am talking about the 4 North American professional sports, so don't quote me Manchester United from 1973 or the USSR Olympic Hockey Team or anything silly like that).

[thunderous]

If KD gets a ring, he won't even Surpass the likes of Stockton, Malone, Miller, or Barkley in my eyes.

I have more respect for them even though they didn't get a ring.

If you basically sell out to ride the coat tails of the best team in the league to get that ring does it actually mean anything?

I'm glad someone that's not a Thunder fan agrees.

Go Spurs. Go Cavs. Go clippers.

He thinks by winning that elusive ring everything will be good and he will achieve something special

...guess what KD? Even scrubs get rings when their team wins the championship like Mozgov or Delly just did. It means nothing...

I loved KD and although I can't say now I hate him I am sure you would know what my emotions are right now. This was the guy I told my kid to look upto, the only Jersey I bought for my kid and put up a full size fathead in his room. And what does he do? He just doesn't leave he buries a team and a town. It will take years before OKC becomes what they were just a 48 hours ago.

And you gotta love the warriors for pulling this one...by signing KD they just eliminated 1 of the 2 real threats in the Western conference, all you have to worry about is the Spurs. They figured why give Barnes 100 Million when we can sign Durant and bury OKC forever. But guess what Jerry West and the management of the Warriors if this move fails and I wish with all my heart that it does then you will look like even bigger fools. And lets say for a second they do win and beat Cleveland next year you and your owners statement that "we are light year ahead of other teams" will sound so profoundly stupid because you had to make a big 4 just to beat one man and that your players weren't good enough.

I never liked Lebron and I didn't know cheering for him in these past Finals would come with such a heavy price tag but I have no option but to cheer for him again and accept the fact he is the best player in the world and especially if he goes and beat this Super team once again and boy that would be sweet.

So yeah just like you as an OKC fan Go Spurs. Go Cavs. Go Clippers.

[BigDofBA]

He thinks by winning that elusive ring everything will be good and he will achieve something special

...guess what KD? Even scrubs get rings when their team wins the championship like Mozgov or Delly just did. It means nothing...

I loved KD and although I can't say now I hate him I am sure you would know what my emotions are right now. This was the guy I told my kid to look upto, the only Jersey I bought for my kid and put up a full size fathead in his room. And what does he do? He just doesn't leave he buries a team and a town. It will take years before OKC becomes what they were just a 48 hours ago.

And you gotta love the warriors for pulling this one...by signing KD they just eliminated 1 of the 2 real threats in the Western conference, all you have to worry about is the Spurs. They figured why give Barnes 100 Million when we can sign Durant and bury OKC forever. But guess what Jerry West and the management of the Warriors if this move fails and I wish with all my heart that it does then you will look like even bigger fools. And lets say for a second they do win and beat Cleveland next year you and your owners statement that "we are light year ahead of other teams" will sound so profoundly stupid because you had to make a big 4 just to beat one man and that your players weren't good enough.

I never liked Lebron and I didn't know cheering for him in these past Finals would come with such a heavy price tag but I have no option but to cheer for him again and accept the fact he is the best player in the world and especially if he goes and beat this Super team once again and boy that would be sweet.

So yeah just like you as an OKC fan Go Spurs. Go Cavs. Go Clippers.

I don't hate KD but I don't want that team to win. I like seeing the best go at each other. I don't like seeing them team up. This is why I didn't like Lebron for so long.....ironically, now I find myself rooting for him.

The Thunder don't let the media know anything. For all we know, Durant knew Westbrook was leaving next year and this was his only window to sign with the Warriors. He could have left next season but he may not have been able to goto the Warriors.

I still think it's weak but I'm not going to be burning jerseys or show up at his house acting like an idiot. That's crazy and makes the people here look bad. Get a life. It sucks but that's taking it too far.

Really the worst thing about this is that no one here saw it coming and we definitely didn't see him going to the team they just blew a 3-1lead to.

I think most of us thought he was going to be here one more year and then possibly leave.

After reading various articles, Durant may have known he was leaving back in November. To know that is a bit sickening especially given the way he went out to the team he knew he was eventually going to goto.

I think the hate come from the fact that he said some of the following things the last two years....he wanted to retire here, stay with the same team, win a championship for the fans, this was his home, etc

The franchise made every move to appease him and now that he is gone, it's all falling apart. For all the good Presti has done and got credit for, he deserves some blame for it all collapsing.

The Thunder literally hit the lottery by getting Durant, Westbrook, Harden, Ibaka at the same time and still didn't win a championship. That makes me think they never will have a chance to win it.

If you can't win with those guys, when can you?

[lakerboy]

This is westbrooks chance to show he was always the man. I know one thing. Russell Westbrook is a fearless player. If he let's donovan coach him he can win with this team. Or he can be the pacers west to curry's heat.

[BigDofBA]

Durant left a championship team because he couldn't drive the bus.

OKC could still be competitive.

I could see them being this year's Portland if they don't trade Westbrook.

[thunderous]

Earlier there was an article out saying KD wasn't happy with Russ but I have to believe it was more of a damage control after the fiasco of the decision.

[Team Ramrod]

Westbrook has announced...he is NOT signing an extension...This was the reason Horford signed with Boston...He was told Westbrook had no intention of Resigning in OKC...this is the reason Durant is leaving...its all tied in with Westbrook...Durant would not leave OKC if Russel was staying...you bring in Gasol or Horford and OKC gets a ring...but of course...the league is rigged for GSW and Cleveland...

it would be dumb financially for Russ to sign ext now when the cap goes up more next year. And if that's why KD left, why wouldn't KD simply sign a 1+1 with the Thunder?

[BigDofBA]

Well no kidding he isn't signing an extension. It would be dumb to.

The CAP goes up next year. I'm not sure why this is news.

[smittyallsports]

I thought Presti looked like he was going to cry.

I think this blindsided Presti. I'm not sure he has a good backup plan.

Presti gave Durant everything he needed to win a ring and Durant couldn't deliver.

Durant is a failure. Has a superstar ever squandered that much talent?

Durant is the Superstar. He was the guy that was supposed to deliver in crunch time and he couldn't. Three of the losses to Miami in the Finals years ago were all one possession games under a minute to go and Durant did nothing. That's when I jumped on the Westbrrok bandwagon.

Westbrook single handily kept them in those games.

Durant did the same thing this year in the playoffs.

All this and they were still looking to give him the most money they could possibly give him to stay.... go figure.

[Plaza23]

Other than the intangible of "respect" - this move makes all the sense in the world for Kevin Durant.

#1. He makes the same amount no matter where he plays. So why not play for the best team?
#2. He no longer has to bust his ass during the regular season. He's now playing on a stacked team. He can take it easy. This will add years to his career down the line.
#3. While OKC was close to beating Golden State, going to Golden State is the best move for KD to get to the NBA Finals.

Durant will never be in the same breath as MJ, Kobe, Lebron. And he's probably fine with that. Maybe he'd rather be another Chris Bosh - just a cog on a title team - than end up a Karl Malone, Barkley, Tracy McGrady who were great scorers but never won anything.

[Plaza23]

Did anyone see Morgan Freeman reading Durant's Goodbye John note.


https://m.facebook.com/story.php?sto...c8gZppCR2&_rdr

I don't really find Caliendo that funny, but his voice impersonations are amazing. I don't know how he does it.

[Roadtrip635]

The worst part of all this is gonna be the smothering "coverage" of everything Golden State by all the Sports sites. As insufferable all the coverage GSW got this past season, especially with their chase for 73 wins, it's gonna get a lot worse. ESPN might as well just change their name now to GSW Sports Network.

[Plaza23]

If Westbrook isn't coming back after this year
You have to trade him or you get nothing in return.

The Thunder are in a tough spot.

Thunder should trade Westbrook to the Celtics for Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and next year's 1st round pick (which will be top 3 from the Nets).

Thunder could have one of the best defensive teams in the entire NBA with:

PG - Smart
SG - Oladipo
SF - Roberson
PF - Kanter
C - Adams

They are going to need someone to fill the arena, and Marcus Smart is popular in Oklahoma.

[smittyallsports]

Thunder should trade Westbrook to the Celtics for Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and next year's 1st round pick (which will be top 3 from the Nets).

Thunder could have one of the best defensive teams in the entire NBA with:

PG - Smart
SG - Oladipo
SF - Roberson
PF - Kanter
C - Adams

They are going to need someone to fill the arena, and Marcus Smart is popular in Oklahoma.

This team would lose 50 games in the west and see no parts of any playoffs

[BigDofBA]

Thunder should trade Westbrook to the Celtics for Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and next year's 1st round pick (which will be top 3 from the Nets).

Thunder could have one of the best defensive teams in the entire NBA with:

PG - Smart
SG - Oladipo
SF - Roberson
PF - Kanter
C - Adams

They are going to need someone to fill the arena, and Marcus Smart is popular in Oklahoma.

That actually makes sense.

[lakerboy]

I don't care how or who does it. A long as gs doesn't win t title I'm happy.

[t-wizzle]

I don't care how or who does it. A long as gs doesn't win t title I'm happy.

Agreed. Maybe they'll get the injury bug.

[thetrinity]

saw a good article on espn, basically said durant just says things to please people most of the time, and is very easily persuaded

thunder knew that once he left the meeting thursday there was a decent chance he was going to bolt

apparently he spent first hour of warriors meeting saying he would get villified for the choice but his crew kept egging him on to go there

article also said he claimed to love the oladipo move, which of course makes this move even more puzzling

[t-wizzle]

saw a good article on espn, basically said durant just says things to please people most of the time, and is very easily persuaded

thunder knew that once he left the meeting thursday there was a decent chance he was going to bolt

apparently he spent first hour of warriors meeting saying he would get villified for the choice but his crew kept egging him on to go there

article also said he claimed to love the oladipo move, which of course makes this move even more puzzling

Yea the Royce Young article. Seemed very plausible.

[thetrinity]

wizzle what happens with westbook in your opinion

[t-wizzle]

wizzle what happens with westbook in your opinion

If they think they have a legitimate chance of keeping him, they need to build around him. If not, you trade him and recoup some value.

I'm of the belief OKC can still be a good team. They're still a playoff team as it stands now. Maybe Russ will embrace being "the man" and want to win one in OKC.

[BigDofBA]

saw a good article on espn, basically said durant just says things to please people most of the time, and is very easily persuaded

thunder knew that once he left the meeting thursday there was a decent chance he was going to bolt

apparently he spent first hour of warriors meeting saying he would get villified for the choice but his crew kept egging him on to go there

article also said he claimed to love the oladipo move, which of course makes this move even more puzzling

I've always liked Durant but I've never fully believed some of the things he has said man. Westbrook always received a lot of hate but I always gravitated toward Westbrook over Durant because he seemed more true to himself and real. Plus, Westbrook was never the guy playing timid late in the game or getting shut down. Westbrook may be out of control at times but I can live with it because he is giving 110% every play.

Anyway, Durant tried to play this good religious guy but then there was a rumor he was busted smoking weed in the off-season, not a big deal, but just funny.

Then Durant tried to act like this tough guy in the media...which wasn't him either. For example, when Kobe announced his retirement Durant tried to talk shit to the media and be that tough guy that had Kobe's back. Everyone was like, "just shut up dude, you aren't tough." He called Cuban an idiot, etc. It was almost as if he had someone in his ear telling him he needed to act tougher.

Maybe I'm living in a fantasy world here in Thunderland but everyone here was truly blindsided by this. You can easily look up some of the things Durant has said and understand why some people are so pissed off here.

- The tweet 5 years ago criticizing everyone for jumping ship to join the Heat and Lakers...then he does the same
- During his MVP speech praising the people of Oklahoma saying how much he wants to win a ring here...then he walks
- Saying he cared so much about his teammates and they were like brothers to him....then he bolts on them after they bust their ass.
- Saying that this was his home now and he wanted to stay here.
- Saying he wanted to play his hole career and have his jersey retired here.

Durant doesn't own anyone here anything but don't be someone your not or give people false hope.

This dude was everything to the people here and then he just walked away. I would have understood just wanting to try to build something somewhere else or needing a change of scenery, ex. Boston, but to goto the favorite to win it all and a team you just choked a 3-1 lead to, while Green was kicking Adams in the nuts, is just weak. What's even worse is that now I'm reading stuff that Durant's mind may have been made up since back in November and he was probably going to leave to goto the Warriors no matter what the Thunder did or won.

I honestly think that as Durant got bigger, he had more people in his ear telling him what was best for him and he ultimately listened to those people. Durant basically has a posse now that is always in his ear. He isn't the same dude.

I know Westbrook is into his fashion and what not but off the court Westbrook is a married man that really only hangs out with his brothers. He isn't signed with Roc Nation and running with a posse like Durant is. Also, Westbrook wouldn't listen to anyone if they told him what to anyway. He is kind of his own man.

I'm not saying Westbrook will stay but this entire time people just assumed Durant would stay and Westbrook would leave. In reality, they probably always had a better chance to keep Westbrook.

[lakerboy]

James is smarter than state. We will see why soon.

[Menses]

it would be dumb financially for Russ to sign ext now when the cap goes up more next year. And if that's why KD left, why wouldn't KD simply sign a 1+1 with the Thunder?

KD refuse to sign the 1 year deal because Russell let him know he was not coming back after his deal expired...Regardless of whether or not KD returned...Horford would never have signed with Boston had Russell and KD committed to OKC....thats a big 3..and a TITLE RING without question.

These two are friends off the court but have admitted publicly they do not always see eye to eye on the court...Russell is too selfish a player to work alongside a guy like Durant...dribbles out the clock with 3 seconds left and either forces a shot or passes to Durant who is forced to jack up a 3....with that said...that is NOT why they LOST...Durant and Westbrook threw the series....

This is OKC owner and Sam Presti's fault...this idiot refuse to go into the Luxary Tax and sign James Harden back in 2012...and this is the end result...You need a big 3..in the NBA to compete....those 3 guys would have destroyed the Golden State in a 7 game series and would have eventually beaten Lebron given that they were younger....Cheap Owners dun win TITLES....Mickey Arison is learning that now...Dan Gilbert is 54 million into the luxary tax...but he doesn't give a shit..his Casino is printing money and Cleveland has a Title...Joe Lacob and Jerry West have a title and will end up winning more...and they will pay through the nose for it...do they care?...NOPE..