Durant will play his first game in Golden State’s arena since joining the Warriors on July 26 as a member of the US Olympic team against China in a warm-up contest for Rio.
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27-year-old Durant, who is a four-time league scoring champion and seven-time All-Star, is expected to join on a two-year contract worth $54.3 (around £41m).
“It’s been hectic. A lot of attention comes with being in this position”, Durant said of the free-agency process. “I just felt like I needed to be a part of it”. He said it will be the most fun that you’ll ever have in your life”, Durant said, adding earlier, “Those guys, they came in and felt like they were hand-in-hand … The Thunder lost to the Warriors this season in the conference finals, with Golden State rallying from a 3-1 series deficit.
“I haven’t made the decision, but he might start”, coach Steve Kerr joked while sitting next to Durant. This was the hardest road – I don’t know anyone here, I’ve never lived in this community or played for this team.
“When they came in to see me, everything was real”.
“I’m sure he wasn’t happy about the decision, but he respected it as my friend”, Durant said.
Durant shot down the idea that he had changed or was easily influenced by others to leave Oklahoma City.
“We just talked about the Warriors and how I would be a great fit and how I would love the guys and the whole organization”, Durant said.
Reigning MVP Stephen Curry, Andre Iguodala, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green met face-to-face with Durant in an effort to bring him to California from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
On if he feels guilty for joining the Warriors. “No”.
This, he said, is the harder route – “It was time for me to try something new, try a new challenge”.
Durant, 27, can opt out of the deal next July and take advantage of television money boosting the National Basketball Association salary cap to $107 million a club to test free agency again.
“Obviously it’s tough because we were teammates for so long”, Durant said. They wanted to let me know how I would fit in with their group.
Kevin Durant has only officially been a Golden State Warrior for a couple of hours, but he’s already paying off for the franchise.
“It felt like they weren’t in the NBA”, Durant said. I felt it was time for it, and I made this decision. “I went out of my comfort zone”.
“I’m sorry you feel that way but I just want to live my life the way I want to live it”. We had great years man.
“I understand the fans in Oklahoma City, and basketball fans around the world, are I guess upset”.
“I was shocked those four guys came to meet me a few days ago”, he said.
“I’m so honored that you’re here, and I’m so honored you chose us to play for”, Myers told Durant.
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“You know, we had great years, something that you’ll never take away from us”, Durant said.
