Kevin Durant Opens Up About Why He Blocked Phoenix Suns From Trading Him To Golden State Warriors: ‘I Didn’t Like How They Did Business’
During an interview with Tim Capurso of Sports Illustrated, NBA legend Kevin Durant opened up about why he blocked the Phoenix Suns from trading him to the Golden State Warriors last season.
Durant, who was traded by the Suns to the Houston Rockets this offseason, played for the Warriors from 2016 to 2019. He won back-to-back titles and Finals MVPs in 2017 and 2018.
“And I love Steph (Curry). I love hooping with Steph,” Kevin Durant said. “And I really thought about going back to the Warriors. But it was a certain part of me that just didn’t like that this last little phase of my career was gonna be—where I was gonna play was gonna be—that these owners was just gonna work behind my back to make that decision for me.
“I didn’t like that part of it. And I felt like I worked my way up in this league and put a lot of sweat equity into my name and my game, or the respect or the brand that I’ve created. So you doing business behind my back, backdoor s— like that—It just didn’t sit right with me. So I just wanted to wash my hands of both of those teams, the Warriors and the Suns. Because I didn’t like how they did business.”
One of the greatest players in NBA history, Durant wanted to get traded to the Rockets this offseason and he got his wish.
The future Hall of Famer has a close relationship with Houston head coach Ime Udoka.
“I do appreciate, actually, the Warriors coming to me before they actually made a move and asking me, ‘Did I want to be a part of it?’ But I just didn’t like how they all formed,” Durant said. “So, I just wanted to wash my hands with that and move on. Houston was the team that really respected me, respected what I bring to the table and wanted to make this work. So, I’m excited about it.”
The Rockets lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder on opening night. Durant, who signed a two-year, $90 million extension with Houston, finished with 23 points and nine rebounds.
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