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Kevin Durant Reveals Why He Had to Leave OKC Thunder in 2016

Published 06/02/2021, 10:30 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The Seattle Supersonics drafted Kevin Durant back in 2007. The franchise then moved to Oklahoma, subsequently becoming the Oklahoma City Thunder. Along with Russell Westbrook and James Harden, they were one of the most entertaining teams in the Western Conference. Even though KD didn’t win them an NBA title, the franchise played some of the best basketball the league has seen. In a recent interview, Kevin Durant explained the reasons he moved to the Golden State Warriors.

Durant won the NBA title twice during his stint with the Warriors.

via Getty

Kevin Durant on why he left OKC

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He expressed what he wanted in the future, stating that he accomplished everything in OKC.

“I felt like in OKC, I maxed out who I wanted to be as a player. I felt like I’ve done everything there to do as a player. On top of that, my contract was up.

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“I just wanted a new experience. Then I see a team like golden State play the way I like to play. Everybody can shoot and make plays,” said Durant.

The Thunder reached the Western Conference final four times while KD was playing there. Similarly, he was also a four-time scoring champion, being one of the best scorers in the NBA. Although the Oklahoma based-franchise couldn’t get an NBA title, there were many memorable moments during his time back there.

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As his contract was up at the end of the 2016 season, he joined the Golden State Warriors where he won two back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. In addition, KD also won the finals MVP in those years. With Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson amongst the ranks, the GSW broke many records during KD’s career over there. Steve Kerr developed a potent offense that proved to be unguardable.

Durant averaged 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game when he played with the Warriors. Despite being good on the offensive side of the game, his defense was well notable amongst the masses. Averaging over 1.5 blocks per game is a noteworthy stat.

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Even though the fans spoke about how he took the easy road ahead, none can deny the brilliance of KD on the court. The small forward aims to win his 3rd NBA title with Brooklyn Nets, and it is looking likely that it could happen. Winning NBA titles with different teams is no easy feat. Kawhi did it with the Spurs and the Raptors. Can KD repeat that accomplishment?

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Written by:

Jacob Gijy

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Jacob Gijy is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Masters in Counselling Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the centre the respect he deserves.
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