Father’s Day is here! Kevin Durant would have almost missed celebrating this day ever, as his father was not a big part of his life growing up. However, he soon returned and changed all that for the better. From taking his son to basketball tournaments to providing him guidance during free agency, Durant soon learned to love his father deeply, and vice versa. In Wayne Pratt’s own words, “I’m in awe at how he has grown as a man.” This new version is what the NBA star chooses to honor today.

A few hours ago, the Slim Reaper took to his official Instagram account to share a story with his 13.6 million followers. He highlighted a post that further featured Wayne Pratt recalling how, when the duo were in Phoenix, he asked the player to leave a game-worn jersey for him. Not only did Kevin Durant do so, but he also signed it with the words: “To the best dad ever.” For Pratt, that meant “everything.”

“Nothing else has to happen for the rest of my life after hearing my son say those words, especially after the road we’ve been on to get to this point. It means the world to me,” said Wayne Pratt. After highlighting that post, KD added his own caption to it by writing, “Love you dad. Happy Father’s Day.”

This tribute certainly came close to almost topping the one Wayne gave to his son on Father’s Day back in 2018. In a specially written letter, which was highlighted by Andscape reporter Marc J. Spears, Kevin Durant’s father highlighted seeing his success, and how “God’s light and love” has helped him overcome so many life challenges directly tied to Wayne. Further, he thanked God for KD’s mother being a big support to the player when he wasn’t, and expressed regret for not knowing how to be a father to his kids. Most of all, he was thankful that despite everything, his son was willing to give him a chance again.

“I thank God daily for creating the opportunity for us to reconnect. I’m so thankful for you opening your heart at such a tender time. Every parent-child relationship has its ups and downs, and we are no exception. I feel fortunate that we have learned how to successfully navigate life’s mistakes,” wrote Wayne. “Thank you for forgiving me and allowing us to have the great relationship we have today.”

Wayne Pratt, according to reports, left the family while KD was still an infant. He and KD’s mother, Wanda, eventually divorced, and the upbringing of the future NBA player and his brother, Anthony “Tony” Durant, was left to her and her mother, Barbara Davis.

Wayne returned when KD was 13 and made strides to cover up for lost time. When Kevin Durant was in high school, Wayne and his son traveled the country together to various basketball tournaments and showcases, as Wayne revealed, “I just gave them everything I had; I mean, I emptied the tank. There wasn’t a place I wouldn’t go; there wasn’t nothing I wouldn’t do. Wherever I needed to be, I would go.” He also famously cheered on for his son through the television screen during the 2012 Olympics.

Over the years, Wayne also became an advisor to his son. During a Boardroom interview with his agent, Rich Kleiman, he revealed how it was his father who urged him to join the New York Knicks. Durant considered it, but said, “I’m not looking at the cool brand outside of the game. I was looking at the team, and the [Knicks] was not cool to play for.” Well, judging by how the Knicks made it to the Conference Finals this season, while Durant’s Phoenix Suns could secure only a 36-46 win record, shows who the ‘cool’ team was. Therefore, KD might listen to his father this time if he chooses to speak on the recent trade rumors revolving around the player.

NBA Insider highlights 3 Teams “lurking” For Kevin Durant: “Maybe Durant gets what he wants”

Kevin Durant is on top of the list of people who are speculated to make a change during the ongoing off-season. After all, being 36 years old, the last thing the player would want is to continue with a team that doesn’t seem to improve. Furthermore, with Bradley Beal’s ‘non-trade clause’ in his contract creating trouble for the Suns, and Devin Booker needed to carry the team forward, trading KD is amongst the only cards they possess. Fortunately, the star veteran is not without any takers out there.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, “You don’t see Toronto on Durant’s list, but the Raptors are one of the teams lurking out there, who may be willing to do this without knowing that they can keep Durant on an extension, and basically potentially be a rental.” He also added, “I think there’s a couple others, including the Los Angeles Clippers, and potentially even the Minnesota Timberwolves. This is still wide open. Maybe Durant gets what he wants, maybe he has to accept something else.”

The LA Clippers already have two veterans, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, who will soon surpass their prime. With Kevin Durant, a final boost could be given by the trio for a potential title run. At the same time, the Milwaukee Bucks are looking to get someone who can convince Giannis not to leave and fight for another title.

Unfortunately, according to Pro Football Network, Kevin Durant does not prefer any of these three teams. Therefore, Wayne Pratt might have to step up again and give some advice that could add a good final chapter to the 2x champion’s NBA legacy.