Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors in 2016 after blowing a 3-1 lead to them in the playoffs — creating the most dominant and controversial superteam in NBA history.
The Decision
July 4, 2016: Durant announced signing with Warriors via The Players’ Tribune essay titled “My Next Chapter.”
Thunder led Warriors 3-1 in 2016 Western Conference Finals. Collapsed. Warriors went on to blow 3-1 Finals lead to Cavaliers.
Durant joined 73-win team that just lost Finals. Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green — already championship core. Adding Durant made them unstoppable.
The Backlash
Fans called Durant “snake” (still used). Cupcake memes (soft). “Can’t win with these cats” — leaked Durant burner account tweet about Thunder teammates.
“The hardest road” — Durant’s Players’ Tribune phrase became mocking meme. Hardest road = joining 73-win team that just beat you.
LeBron subtweeted. Charles Barkley criticized. Thunder fans burned jerseys. Seattle fans (Durant’s OKC pre-history) conflicted.
The Championships
Warriors with Durant (2017-2019):
- 2017 NBA Champions (16-1 playoff record, dominant)
- 2018 NBA Champions (swept Cavs in Finals)
- 2019: Lost to Raptors (Durant tore Achilles in Finals)
Durant: 2× Finals MVP (2017, 2018). Unstoppable scoring. Warriors practically unbeatable at full strength.
The Departure
July 2019: Durant signed with Brooklyn Nets (with Kyrie Irving). Left Warriors after Achilles injury. Wanted to prove himself again (carry team without superteam).
Legacy
Most talented team ever assembled? Possibly. Most hated? Definitely. Warriors won 2 easy championships, but legitimacy questioned.
Durant’s rings devalued in GOAT debates (“needed superteam”). Compare to LeBron (beat 73-win Warriors), Giannis (stayed loyal), Dirk (defeated superteams).
The hardest road became the easiest road. Two rings, eternal asterisks.
Source: NBA.com