Why Did Kevin Durant Not Join New York Knicks Despite Father’s Pressure?
In 2019, a sidelined Kevin Durant left the Golden State Warriors to move to the Brooklyn Nets. It affected the Warriors team greatly and instantly made the Nets title contenders from the Eastern Conference. Having said that, his decision to choose Brooklyn might not have received the positive response one might think it did.
With New York being the main attraction, the New York Knicks became another option for Kevin Durant. So much so, that many were convinced that he was headed to play for the Knicks.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Why Was Kevin Durant rumored to join New York Knicks?
Before he confirmed his news to join the Nets, rumors also pointed towards the Knicks.
While Durant might have always wanted to play with the Nets, his father wanted to send him the Knicks way. Wayne Pratt, in a conversation with Durant, seemed convinced that New York was a better choice for him than Brooklyn. Matt Sullivan posted this in his book “Can’t Knock The Hustle: Inside The Season of Protest, Pandemic, and Progress with The Brooklyn Nets’ Superstars of Tomorrow.
Trending
Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers
April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT
Lakers Advised To Terminate LeBron James’ $99 Million Contract, a Move That Could Save His Legacy
April 28, 2024 06:14 AM EDT
“It Will Ruin the Game”: Citing Caitlin Clark’s Example, Geno Auriemma Warns WNBA
April 27, 2024 03:31 PM EDT
Draymond Green ‘Disappointed’ In Anthony Davis For Throwing Darvin Ham Under The Bus On Live TV
April 27, 2024 02:44 AM EDT
Bryce James’ Nike Title Quest Gets Mom Savannah Fired Up After Dominant 1st Outing
April 28, 2024 02:01 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
In the book, Sullivan messaged his father, asking about Brooklyn and what he thinks. “Like his agent, KD’s occasionally estranged father, Wayne Pratt, was a Knicks fan,” Sullivan wrote.
“When Wayne told his son that he’d taken a video-conference call from the Knicks executives Steve Mills and Scott Perry, and that the Knicks were trying to turn away KD’s interest from Brooklyn before the free agency had officially begun, the father-son text chain blew up with expletives”.
It goes without saying that the two-time NBA champion did not want anyone to influence his choices so much. Moreover, the Knicks’ meeting with his father was ‘tampering’ in a way for Durant. Later, Pratt refuted this, and let him know that his integrity was not compromised.
Why Did Durant choose Brooklyn Nets over Knicks?
During Durant’s interview with The Old Man and the Three podcast, he spoke of his choice. He made it clear that the Knicks were a choice the media favored, not him. It was never his plan.
The 33-year-old apparently did not want to be the Knicks’ savior, and hence opted for the Nets and their chill atmosphere. “So I felt like that’s what Brooklyn embodied,’’ Durant said. “We’re just going to hoop and build something new in Brooklyn”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
How much does Kevin Durant earn with the Brooklyn Nets contract?
With his current salary with the Nets, Durant is earning an average income of $42,018,900. This season, he earned $40,918,900, with some $1, 100,000 incentive. Additionally, his three seasons with the Nets have earned him $118,989,413.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Five Music Artists Who Could Have Made It To The NBA
What do you think of Durant’s deal with the Nets? Let us know.