after one out of season full of rumors and moves rocked by his transfer request Kevin Duranthis player Brooklyn Nets ended up returning to the franchise for the half a day in his third season with the team.
As expected, Durant was asked a series of questions about the events of the past few months, giving honest answers about what led to his displeasure and what the current situation is.
What Kevin Durant said at half a day of Nets? And what did these latest events mean for the franchise project?
Durant provided insight and clarity about what happened in the past and what could happen in the future.
Why did Kevin Durant request the transfer?
Durant addressed the issue head-on, telling reporters that his frustration stemmed from the roster’s inconsistency. In 2021, Durant signed a contract extension with the franchise because he felt things were going well, but a series of changes, including Exit James Harden, They changed the whole picture.
This is what KD had to say:
There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding our team last year. I committed to this competition for four seasons with the idea that we would play this group with which we reached the second round (in 2021)…
…I want to be in a stable place, trying to build a winning culture and I had some doubts about that and expressed them to [propietario del equipo] Joe Chai and we continued from there.
“There was a lot of uncertainty around our team last year … We came to a mutual agreement that we have to keep moving forward.”
-Kevin Durant in his offseason with the Nets. #NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/dlYEGmeoPP
— NBA TV (@NBATV) September 26, 2022
So that there is no exchange after all
One of Durant’s most famous quotes came when he was a member of the Warriors, telling reporters: “I’m Kevin Durant. Everyone knows who I am”. A reminder of how good it is.
KD made similar statements in 2022 when asked if he was surprised he was still with the Nets. “I know I’m so good they’re not going to give me away. I know who I am.” On the other hand, he added that he is pleased with the management of the franchise that did not settle for a small transfer to enforce his request to leave.
It all worked out in the end.
Is Kevin Durant surprised he’s still a net?
“No. I know I’m so good you won’t just give me away. I know who I am.” pic.twitter.com/tShm3swMYk
— Video Nets (@SNYNets) September 26, 2022
On his future commitment to the Nets
Despite signing a four-year contract extension in 2021, Durant was set to leave the Nets a season later. Naturally, many are wondering now how committed the star is to the franchise if problems reoccur.
According to Duran, his story should speak for itself
Nets fans should know me after three years. The job I did, we’ve been through a lot, I go out and do my job. I don’t feel like I have to prove anything to the fans after three years. I’m committed to moving forward with this team, so if the fans have doubts, I can’t control it.
“I’m committed to moving forward with this team. I’m just continuing to be me every day.”
– Kevin Durant on his future with the Nets pic.twitter.com/IDAeXNGQNN
— Video Nets (@SNYNets) September 26, 2022
With Durant back, the Brooklyn Nets have assembled a roster capable of making noise in the Eastern Conference.
Kyrie Irving is again eligible to play all 82 games, Ben Simmons and Joe Harris will return to the lineup from injury, Seth Curry, Nic Claxton and Patty Mills will be able to fill their roles and newcomers Markieff Morris, Royce O ‘ Neale and TJ Warren should make an immediate impact.
