Steve Kerr Claims Kevin Durant 'Faded' From Warriors Before Joining Nets in Free Agency
By Brendan Balsamo
It was no surprise Kevin Durant chased the money in free agency after failing to win another NBA Championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2019. In fact, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr could see it happening right before his eyes.
On the Posted Up Pod with Yahoo's Chris Haynes, Kerr described Durant's disillusionment with the Warriors' core as his tenure with the team neared its end. "He sort of faded from the group by the end of the year," Kerr said.
New Posted Up Pod: Warriors coach @SteveKerr on state of team, when Steph-Klay might return, vibe from KD last year, father’s assassination, untold heartfelt gesture by the Kerr family & why he’ll never shut up & coach.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 9, 2020
?: https://t.co/Z5RBJzdEx4
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It seemed to be the right time for Durant to leave, as the Warriors dynasty came to a screeching halt. With DeMarcus Cousins and KD both out of town, and Steph Curry and Klay Thompson on the sideline, the Warriors currently own the worst record in the Western Conference.
His exit was no surprise, but Kerr suggests that Durant had all but mentally checked out ahead of his departure from The Bay.
Kerr mentioned, however, that he has no ill will towards KD, and supports his decision to move on with his career.
Nets say Kevin Durant is “progressing fantastically” ? @KDTrey5 pic.twitter.com/bsJ0ucjPIY
— Overtime (@overtime) January 9, 2020
Durant has moved on, but he's yet to suit up in Brooklyn as he's still rehabbing from the ruptured Achilles he suffered during the NBA Finals.