In a league where rivalries often define eras, Kevin Durant and Patrick Beverley have long been foils for one another. From the heated 2019 playoff battles, where Durant delivered his now-famous line, “I’m Kevin Durant. You know who I am,” in response to Beverley’s relentless defense, to countless regular-season dustups, their paths have been intertwined by fire and friction. Beverley has built his reputation on needling superstars; Durant, one of the game’s greats, has rarely been shy about clapping back.

So when Beverley scapegoated Trae Young on his podcast, it was fitting that Durant resurfaced in the conversation. On his podcast, Beverley questioned Young’s leadership, saying former teammates didn’t view him as a good leader or teammate, and dismissed his statistical accomplishments as hollow. The remarks sparked immediate debate across the league, amplifying ongoing scrutiny around Young’s role as a franchise cornerstone in Atlanta.

Under a viral post amplifying Beverley’s critique, Durant fired back: “Aye. This s** gettin outta hand man. C’mon Pat you sound delusional brother.” It wasn’t just a defense of Young, but another chapter in Durant’s long-running back-and-forth with Beverley, a reminder that the NBA’s off-court battles can be as compelling as what happens between the lines. However it also built an unexpected ally for Young.

Durant’s choice of the word “delusional” can also be read as a rejection of Beverley’s attempt to measure credibility strictly by playoff appearances. Beverley pointed out that he’s been to the postseason nine times compared to Young’s three. On the surface, that sounds like a big gap. But the roles have been very different. Beverley has mostly been a role player on veteran teams built to win. Young has been the face of the Hawks since he arrived, carrying the weight of a franchise. He even led Atlanta to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, something Beverley has never done as a lead option. Durant’s point was clear: making the playoffs as a supporting piece is not the same as dragging a team there as the star.

Stats and individual achievements obviously support KD’s assessment. Trae Young arrived at Atlanta as a lottery pick and has become one of the best point guards in the league. He is a lights-out shooter who has 4 All-Star appearances in seven seasons and averaged 24.2 points, 11.6 assists (league-high), and 3.1 rebounds per game last season. Young’s stats and the eye test prove that he is a gifted player who has not had the requisite support around him to help the Hawks compete.

Beverley on the other hand, was never an All-Star, was selected in the second-round of the 2009 NBA draft, and his best season with respect to points came with the Clippers back in 2018, when he averaged 12.2 points per game. Patrick Beverley was undoubtedly a tenacious defender and has multiple All-NBA Defensive selections, but even at 26, Young’s individual achievements may have already surpassed those of Beverley’s.

The former NBA guard also questioned both Young’s leadership and how he is perceived inside the locker room. “I’ve talked to people who played in Atlanta. They don’t wanna play there. They don’t think he’s a good leader. They don’t think he’s a good teammate… If you don’t win, when you retire they’re gonna forget your name,” Beverley said, stirring up conversation about Young’s reputation and long-term standing with the Hawks. Further, Young’s unwillingness to defend with the same energy has also been a sticking point in his claims to a true superstar.

Regardless, the comments come at a pivotal moment for Atlanta. The Hawks were one of the NBA’s busiest teams this offseason, bringing in Kristaps Porziņģis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard to finally give Young the kind of balanced supporting cast he’s rarely had. Yet, while the front office reshaped the roster to push for a deeper playoff run, questions linger over Young’s future in Atlanta. That uncertainty made Beverley’s remarks sting even more, reigniting scrutiny over whether Young can carry the franchise deep into the postseason. Amidst this igniting probe, Durant’s words of support come as reassurance. However, the Hawks superstar will know that the upcoming season may have a major say on whether he continues to be viewed untouchable in Atlanta.

Trae Young sets his sights on the finals

Hawks All-Star is entering the 2025–26 season with one goal in mind: a championship run. After leading the NBA in both assists per game and total assists last year, Young wants to turn individual accolades into team success. “For me, it’s getting back to where I’ve been in the playoffs and further,” Young told ClutchPoints, referencing the Hawks’ 2021 Eastern Conference Finals run. “So, I’m trying to get to the Finals and compete for a championship; that’s my only goal.” Young framed his statement as a shift from personal milestones, like leading the league in assists last season to team-driven ambitions.

Young also pointed to Atlanta’s roster overhaul as a reason for optimism. “You can look at our roster and look at our team, and you can finally say we’re trying to compete for something,” he said. He added that in previous years, he didn’t feel his squads were constructed to seriously contend, but that narrative is changing. This acknowledgment highlights a deeper subtext: Young’s patience with the Hawks’ front office hasn’t always been unlimited, and giving him a roster he can believe in might be crucial to securing his long-term future in Atlanta.

The Hawks’ 2025 offseason adds scoring and shooting with Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, while securing depth through rookies Asa Newell, Eli John Ndiaye, and re-signed role players. While that undoubtedly suggests progress, it also represents a chance for Trae Young and company to shut down criticism.