Sure sounds like KD is leaving

[StepBackCrack]

The only reason he leaves the Warriors is because he believes what people on the internet are saying about him and thinks he needs to prove himself elsewhere. He's already said the Finals wins did not satisfy him the way he thought they would. It's really sad if that is the case because he would be allowing other people's words to define him and effect his decisions..
Instead of taking advantage of the very rare opportunity right in front of him.
A chance to dig deeper, commit long term, get a few more rings, be that undeniable legend on a once in a century kind of team.

It's just unfortunate that the media and LeBron stans (whom are A LOT) glorify stats over actual sacrifice to winning. Sacrifice is looked down upon compared to stat-padding nowadays. This is why both KD and Curry will stay underrated unfortunately despite sacrificing individual stats/achievements. This doesn't bother Steph but unfortunately bothers KD and honestly I can't blame him if it bothers him. He does get underrated a lot by NBA fans and the media due to irrational dislike/hate. Steph at least doesn't get much hate. KD have it worse for sure and that clearly affects him. But more than anything, I think his situation with Dray is what affected him the most. It really made him feel like an outsider and that hurt him a lot I think.

[michaelm]

The only reason he leaves the Warriors is because he believes what people on the internet are saying about him and thinks he needs to prove himself elsewhere. He's already said the Finals wins did not satisfy him the way he thought they would. It's really sad if that is the case because he would be allowing other people's words to define him and effect his decisions..
Instead of taking advantage of the very rare opportunity right in front of him.
A chance to dig deeper, commit long term, get a few more rings, be that undeniable legend on a once in a century kind of team.

It's just unfortunate that the media and LeBron stans (whom are A LOT) glorify stats over actual sacrifice to winning. Sacrifice is looked down upon compared to stat-padding nowadays. This is why both KD and Curry will stay underrated unfortunately despite sacrificing individual stats/achievements. This doesn't bother Steph but unfortunately bothers KD and honestly I can't blame him if it bothers him. He does get underrated a lot by NBA fans and the media due to irrational dislike/hate. Steph at least doesn't get much hate. KD have it worse for sure and that clearly affects him. But more than anything, I think his situation with Dray is what affected him the most. It really made him feel like an outsider and that hurt him a lot I think.

Can't say I blame him. Green has been great for GSW, but his inability to control his temper has also cost them a championship in all probability, and will likely now cost them KD. Hard enough to put up with the 15 year old Lebron fans who simultaneously approve of Lebron doing whatever the hell he feels like doing, but he can't even see himself as being a part of GSW against the world with Draymond backing his critics.

Durant seems to be going out of his way to play a team game at the moment, perhaps to some extent to prove a point. Hope he still has some of that all world/unstoppable iso play up his sleeve for when GSW need it in the play-offs.

[StepBackCrack]

Durant seems to be going out of his way to play a team game at the moment, perhaps to some extent to prove a point. Hope he still has some of that all world/unstoppable iso play up his sleeve for when GSW need it in the play-offs.

KD's body language has improved lately which is a really good sign. Honestly, I feel GSW are unstoppable when KD initiates the offense often (not all the time). This because of these 4 reasons:

1- KD's off-ball movement isn't good and it's understandable because he is a big guy. It's impossible for him to move off the ball like Klay or Steph without getting exhausted and he is only getting older. Therefore, it's better to have the ball in his hands and let him playmake (which is a very underrated aspect of his game) or takeover in terms of scoring when the situation calls for it.
2- With KD initiating the offense, team will have to deal with Steph and Klay's elite off ball game AND worry about KD going off himself at any moment at the same time. They can't leave KD open like they do with Green when he starts the possession. There is really no defense for that kind of offense.
3- Results in a better flowing offense when KD plays as a playmaker and a deadly scorer when needed.
4- KD's face-up game is ridiculous.

The only "bad" thing about this for KD is that it reduces his scoring numbers and the haters will use that against him instead of him actually sacrificing some shots to make the team better. Most people are dumb and can't look beyond stats unfortunately. I still want him to take 16-17 shots a game at least tho. He is taking it to the other extreme atm (by taking extremely few shots). And of course he should take 20+ shots when they need him to score in the playoffs.

That said, honestly, I think him leaving isn't a 100% sure thing. It's really impossible to find a better situation than GSW. He will think about this A LOT trust me. He might never win another title if he leaves GSW. That's a huge loss imo.

Despite all the drama this season, KD deserves some credit for being professional on court. Even tho the hate does bother him to an extend, he won't let it bother or affect his game on court. He will deliver in the playoffs I'm sure and that's all GSW need of him in this season at least.

[michaelm]

Durant seems to be going out of his way to play a team game at the moment, perhaps to some extent to prove a point. Hope he still has some of that all world/unstoppable iso play up his sleeve for when GSW need it in the play-offs.

KD's body language has improved lately which is a really good sign. Honestly, I feel GSW are unstoppable when KD initiates the offense often (not all the time). This because of these 4 reasons:

1- KD's off-ball movement isn't good and it's understandable because he is a big guy. It's impossible for him to move off the ball like Klay or Steph without getting exhausted and he is only getting older. Therefore, it's better to have the ball in his hands and let him playmake (which is a very underrated aspect of his game) or takeover in terms of scoring when the situation calls for it.
2- With KD initiating the offense, team will have to deal with Steph and Klay's elite off ball game AND worry about KD going off himself at any moment at the same time. They can't leave KD open like they do with Green when he starts the possession. There is really no defense for that kind of offense.
3- Results in a better flowing offense when KD plays as a playmaker and a deadly scorer when needed.
4- KD's face-up game is ridiculous.

The only "bad" thing about this for KD is that it reduces his scoring numbers and the haters will use that against him instead of him actually sacrificing some shots to make the team better. Most people are dumb and can't look beyond stats unfortunately. I still want him to take 16-17 shots a game at least tho. He is taking it to the other extreme atm (by taking extremely few shots). And of course he should take 20+ shots when they need him to score in the playoffs.

That said, honestly, I think him leaving isn't a 100% sure thing. It's really impossible to find a better situation than GSW. He will think about this A LOT trust me. He might never win another title if he leaves GSW. That's a huge loss imo.

Despite all the drama this season, KD deserves some credit for being professional on court. Even tho the hate does bother him to an extend, he won't let it bother or affect his game on court. He will deliver in the playoffs I'm sure and that's all GSW need of him in this season at least.

Agree with all of that. I just think it is a little exaggerated, and he could take more shots which he will doubtless do when it counts. Perhaps he is amusing himself by demonstrating that he will attract comment both for taking shots/isoing and not doing so, which might be a good sign, since if he is into being perverse he should stay at GSW, which would be the harder choice now in terms of the court of the public opinion of 15 year olds.

I guess he is demonstrating he could play a Draymond role while being a vastly better scorer. However while his defensive play when he focuses on that aspect in the play-offs has been very valuable, he can even guard centers fairly well, Draymond's defensive play and defensive quarterbacking is crucial to GSW being a strong defensive team, and their blow-up has probably damaged the team defensively as someone posted a while back. Both of them seem happy to play defense with Bogut though, which might be helpful for the minutes Bogut is on the court.

All in all I am very grateful for what Durant has brought to GSW, particularly if this extends to a 3rd title, and fwiw he will go with my blessing and full understanding of his decision if he does leave.

[wco81]

His body language is terrible. First to head to the locker room while his teammates were high fiving each other at half time.

On the bench, he sits with the hoodie up, not talking to anyone.

During the road trip he congratulated Curry after the wins without him at Houston and OKC.

He was really animated at the end of the Minnesota game, first for taking away his chance at the 4-point play and then Steph hitting that 3.

Just doesn't seem happy to be on the team and you can't blame him if he wants to see if a change of scenery will make him happier.

[xdrta+]

His body language is terrible. First to head to the locker room while his teammates were high fiving each other at half time.

On the bench, he sits with the hoodie up, not talking to anyone.

During the road trip he congratulated Curry after the wins without him at Houston and OKC.

He was really animated at the end of the Minnesota game, first for taking away his chance at the 4-point play and then Steph hitting that 3.

Just doesn't seem happy to be on the team and you can't blame him if he wants to see if a change of scenery will make him happier.

Sounds like exaggeration. He was laughing it up with Steph on the bench in the 4th quarter last night.

[michaelm]

His body language is terrible. First to head to the locker room while his teammates were high fiving each other at half time.

On the bench, he sits with the hoodie up, not talking to anyone.

During the road trip he congratulated Curry after the wins without him at Houston and OKC.

He was really animated at the end of the Minnesota game, first for taking away his chance at the 4-point play and then Steph hitting that 3.

Just doesn't seem happy to be on the team and you can't blame him if he wants to see if a change of scenery will make him happier.

Sounds like exaggeration. He was laughing it up with Steph on the bench in the 4th quarter last night.

He also might be going to the locker room at half time for treatment, he has had a couple of games off with an injury recently.

Sounds and looks to me like he is still close with Steph Curry, but not sure about the rest of the team, although I think it would take a lot for Klay to fall out with a team-mate, particularly one as good as KD.

[Coxy]

Sounds and looks to me like he is still close with Steph Curry, but not sure about the rest of the team, although I think it would take a lot for Klay to fall out with a team-mate, particularly one as good as KD.

What makes you think KD is a good teammate at this stage?

[xdrta+]

Sounds and looks to me like he is still close with Steph Curry, but not sure about the rest of the team, although I think it would take a lot for Klay to fall out with a team-mate, particularly one as good as KD.

What makes you think KD is a good teammate at this stage?

What makes you think he's not?

[michaelm]

Sounds and looks to me like he is still close with Steph Curry, but not sure about the rest of the team, although I think it would take a lot for Klay to fall out with a team-mate, particularly one as good as KD.

What makes you think KD is a good teammate at this stage?

I meant his quality as a player in general, rather than his quality as a team-mate per se, but acknowledge now you point it out that they are not necessarily the same.

If you want to go down that track though Green’s quality as a team-mate also comes into question, given him losing his temper with LeBron in the 2016 finals was imo at least a significant contributor to GSW failing to win the title that year, and him basically publicly agreeing with KD’s 15 year old LeBron fan critics seems to be behind KD’s current apparent discontent. I don’t dispute Green is a great contributor to GSW and his passion is part of that, but his childish temper tantrums do make him a 2-edged sword. You couldn’t blame KD for thinking along with nearly all observers of the game that he is a better basketball player than Green in general, although sone among GSW fans including me might consider a fully healthy and engaged Draymond of more value to GSW In particular. I do think KD is likely to last longer than Green as an elite player, significantly because of the battering Dray has taken putting his body on the line for the team no doubt.

[Coxy]

Sounds and looks to me like he is still close with Steph Curry, but not sure about the rest of the team, although I think it would take a lot for Klay to fall out with a team-mate, particularly one as good as KD.

What makes you think KD is a good teammate at this stage?

What makes you think he's not?

Nothing, but assuming he is a good, average or bad teammate right now is anyone's guess.

With everything that you see, and that is documented, and his spat with Draymond earlier in the season, evidence seems to point to him being a less than ideal teammate, however that assumption may be wrong as I don't know him nor am I around the team. In my life experience, where there is smoke, there is usually fire.

It's very possible he has become strained from the team because of all of the baggage he brings. Who knows though.

[Coxy]

Sounds and looks to me like he is still close with Steph Curry, but not sure about the rest of the team, although I think it would take a lot for Klay to fall out with a team-mate, particularly one as good as KD.

What makes you think KD is a good teammate at this stage?

I meant his quality as a player in general, rather than his quality as a team-mate per se, but acknowledge now you point it out that they are not necessarily the same.

If you want to go down that track though Green’s quality as a team-mate also comes into question, given him losing his temper with LeBron in the 2016 finals was imo at least a significant contributor to GSW failing to win the title that year, and him basically publicly agreeing with KD’s 15 year old LeBron fan critics seems to be behind KD’s current apparent discontent. I don’t dispute Green is a great contributor to GSW and his passion is part of that, but his childish temper tantrums do make him a 2-edged sword. You couldn’t blame KD for thinking along with nearly all observers of the game that he is a better basketball player than Green in general, although sone among GSW fans including me might consider a fully healthy and engaged Draymond of more value to GSW In particular. I do think KD is likely to last longer than Green as an elite player, significantly because of the battering Dray has taken putting his body on the line for the team no doubt.

Apples and oranges.

[wco81]

Sure we’re all guessing, trying to read the tea leaves.

There was that one clip a few weeks ago where they all were trying to boost each other up before a road game in the tunnel. They’re in a circle, do some chants and head out. A couple of seconds later, KD comes out from the locker room past where the team was for their pregame ritual. He clearly didn’t participate.

The rest of the team still believes in strength in numbers. They may not spend as much time off court as they did in 2014-15 but they still mention strength in numbers from time to time. They don’t mention as much playing for each other or playing with joy, though Kerr still touts these ideals.

Of course a couple of weeks ago, KD mocked the idea of playing with joy after the big blowout loss to the Celtics.


We can only hope the playoffs makes him more excited, especially if they win the title again. He says championships don’t matter to him any more but afte they won last June, he was yelling “back to back!” during the post game celebrations.

He should recognize what a special thing a threepeat is but then again, after the endorphins from winning subside, he may get that bug up his butt again and decide he has to find his happiness elsewhere.

[Muscles]

At this point im tired of the KD speculation. Just need this team to dial in clinch the 1 seed and get ready for war. Right now they have OKC and then Rockets second round.

[xdrta+]

Sure we’re all guessing, trying to read the tea leaves.

There was that one clip a few weeks ago where they all were trying to boost each other up before a road game in the tunnel. They’re in a circle, do some chants and head out. A couple of seconds later, KD comes out from the locker room past where the team was for their pregame ritual. He clearly didn’t participate.

The rest of the team still believes in strength in numbers. They may not spend as much time off court as they did in 2014-15 but they still mention strength in numbers from time to time. They don’t mention as much playing for each other or playing with joy, though Kerr still touts these ideals.

Of course a couple of weeks ago, KD mocked the idea of playing with joy after the big blowout loss to the Celtics.


We can only hope the playoffs makes him more excited, especially if they win the title again. He says championships don’t matter to him any more but afte they won last June, he was yelling “back to back!” during the post game celebrations.

He should recognize what a special thing a threepeat is but then again, after the endorphins from winning subside, he may get that bug up his butt again and decide he has to find his happiness elsewhere.

What they're doing in the tunnel is a prayer circle. Curry, Iguodala, and quite a few others are big time believers, and they do a prayer before games. Bogut, being an atheist, never joined in, maybe Durant doesn't go for that stuff either. Anyway, like others, I'm tired of all the speculation - just win the title and Durant will do what he wants. More power to him.

[Mylie10]

Or maybe he was taking a dump.

[Jerry Maine]

A Cleveland steamer even.

[Chris Porter's Hair]

Sure we’re all guessing, trying to read the tea leaves.

At this point im tired of the KD speculation. Just need this team to dial in clinch the 1 seed and get ready for war. Right now they have OKC and then Rockets second round.

I'm with Muscles. We aren't *all* guessing, because there isn't much point. The constant, toxic, drama filled discussion based on nothing but speculation is really tiresome. "Oh! KD cleared his throat! I can only assume that was him showing disrespect to Jerebko!"

[wco81]

Nobody is forcing you to read much less post in this thread, are they?

[Coxy]

"Oh! KD cleared his throat! I can only assume that was him showing disrespect to Jerebko!"