Kevin Durant to GSW: A Game-Changing Move!
The summer of 2016 will be etched in the memories of NBA fans for a long time, but none more so than the shocking move by Kevin Durant to join the Golden State Warriors. Considered a game-changer in the world of basketball, Durant's decision to sign with Golden State sent shockwaves across the league and left many wondering if the era of superteams was finally upon us.
On July 4, 2016, Kevin Durant made headlines when he announced that he would be joining the Golden State Warriors on a four-year contract worth $5.6 million guaranteed. At the time, many saw it as a major coup for Golden State, who were coming off their fifth NBA championship in 2015 and looking to solidify their position as the team to beat in the Western Conference.
However, the move was also seen as a massive setback for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who had invested significant resources into building an offense centered around Durant and Russell Westbrook. Despite having a strong regular season and making it to the Western Conference Finals, the Thunder ultimately fell short of their goal, losing to the Warriors in the finals that year.
How Kevin Durant Changed the NBA Forever
So what exactly made Kevin Durant's decision to leave Oklahoma City for Golden State so ground-breaking? Let's examine some key points.
• Superteams were no longer a taboo: The notion that a player could leave their hometown team to join another superteam had long been stigmatized. However, Kevin Durant broke that mold when he decided to join forces with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and the rest of the talented Warriors roster.
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Quotes and Reaction From the Sport Field
"When K.D. decided to leave Oklahoma for Golden State, it changed the complexion of the entire league. It made the Warriors the dominant force in the league and gave us a legitimate reason to believe that we couldn't even be stopped."- Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors forward
