A lot has already been made about Kevin Durant’s impending free agency. The two-time reigning NBA Finals MVP has not committed to returning to the Golden State Warriors in July.
In fact, reports indicate that he could take his talents to Broadway with the New York Knicks.
While Durant has publicly pushed back against talking about free agency, he did just recently open up about what it could mean for his legacy.
“It doesn’t. Like I said, I’m just focused on the day to day,” Durant told NBC Sports Bay Area when asked about whether his free-agent decision will impact his legacy. “How can I be the best player I can be? Can this environment help me be the best player than I can be every day? Am I still learning? Am I still having fun being a student of the game?”
That sure does sound like Durant is openly questioning whether the Warriors’ environment can help his career progress. Given that Golden State could be on the verge of its fifth consecutive NBA Finals appearance, this seems to be a bit absurd on the surface.
Then again, Durant continues to play second fiddle to Stephen Curry in Northern California. He’s not the face of the Warriors’ franchise. He never will be. Whether that will play a role in Durant’s decision-making process remains to be seen.
The Warriors themselves have hit a rough patch recently. Questions about continuity have come to the forefront since Durant was involved in a situation with Draymond Green earlier in the season.
Things might be patched up in that regard. But people like Durant sure don’t have short memories.
It will be interesting to see how the remainder of the season and free agency plays out here. If Durant’s recent comments are any indication he has not committed to the Warriors beyond 2018-19. That’s for sure.