Kevin Durant Joins the Warriors: The Most Controversial NBA Decision Ever
#KDtoWarriors refers to Kevin Durant joining the Golden State Warriors on July 4, 2016 — the most controversial free agency decision in NBA history, as he left the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the team that just beat him in the playoffs.
The Context
2016 Western Conference Finals:
- OKC led 3-1 over the 73-9 Warriors
- Warriors came back to win 4-3 (Klay Thompson’s Game 6: 41 points)
- KD averaged 30 PPG in the series but couldn’t close it out
One month later: KD announced he was joining the Warriors.
The Announcement
July 4, 2016 - Kevin Durant published “My Next Chapter” on The Players’ Tribune:
- “The primary mandate I had for myself in making this decision was to have it based on the potential for my growth as a player”
- “The Warriors won 73 games last year… This is the hardest road.”
That phrase — “the hardest road” — became instant mockery, as joining a 73-9 championship-contending team is the easiest road, not the hardest.
Backlash & Criticism
Immediate reaction:
- “KD is a snake” 🐍 - became his nickname, flooded social media
- “Can’t win with those cats” - alleged KD burner account quote about OKC teammates
- “Ruined the NBA” - made Warriors unbeatable, killed competitive balance
- Russell Westbrook’s silence - former teammate, best friend, never spoke to KD again
Thunder fans:
- Burned KD jerseys in parking lots
- Booed him relentlessly when he returned to OKC
- “Cupcake” signs (Westbrook called him soft)
The Warriors Dynasty
With KD (2016-2019):
- 2017 NBA Champions (16-1 playoff record, swept Cavs)
- 2018 NBA Champions (swept Cavs again)
- 2019 Finals loss (Raptors, KD injured Achilles)
KD’s accolades:
- 2× Finals MVP (2017, 2018)
- Unguardable - 7-footer who shoots over everyone
- Made Warriors unstoppable - 67-15 (2017), 58-24 (2018)
Social Media & Memes
- 350M+ impressions since 2016
- Snake emojis (🐍) flooded every KD tweet/post
- “Hardest Road” memes - photoshopped onto easy paths
- Burner accounts scandal - KD allegedly defended himself on fake Twitter accounts (2017)
- “You know who I am” - KD’s defensive replies to critics
Did It Work?
On the court: Yes — 2 championships, 2 Finals MVPs, cemented legacy Public perception: No — criticized as ring-chasing, “bought” championships, asterisks on titles
KD’s Departure (2019)
After the 2019 Finals (Achilles injury), KD left for the Brooklyn Nets in free agency, seeking to prove he could win without the Warriors. He never did (swept by Celtics 2022, traded to Suns 2023).
Legacy Debate
Was it a mistake?
- Warriors fans: Greatest 3-year stretch in franchise history
- KD fans: Won 2 rings, validated as champion
- Critics: Ruined his legacy, no respect for “easy” championships
- OKC fans: Still mad (snake emojis forever)
Hardest Road Irony
The phrase “the hardest road” became synonymous with taking the easiest path. It’s used mockingly in business, politics, gaming — anywhere someone chooses the easiest option while claiming sacrifice.
Related Hashtags
- #KDSnek (snake nickname)
- #TheDecision (LeBron’s 2010 Miami move, similar backlash)
- #WarriorsDynasty
- #CantWinWithThoseCats (burner account quote)