It’s been widely thought by many that Kevin Durant’s decision to sign with the Golden State Warriors in 2016 was largely influenced by LeBron James’ signing with the Miami Heat in 2010.
However, during a conversation a fan had via Instagram with Durant, that doesn’t seem to be true at all. Purportedly, Durant denounced the prevailing belief that James’ decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers to form a Big 3 with the Heat had an impact on him forming a superteam in Golden State.
James left the Cavs after they were eliminated in the second round of the 2010 playoffs despite having the best record in the NBA during the regular season. It is widely believed that a primary reason why he left Cleveland was because he didn’t believe that he could win a title with the Cavs as they were constructed that year.
He went to the Heat that summer to form a star-studded trio with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, who were both at the prime of their careers.
When the Oklahoma City Thunder were eliminated by the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals in 2016 despite previously leading 3-1 in the series, Durant went to Golden State to join forces with All-Stars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
James’ and Durant’s decisions were so similar that many concluded that Durant followed James’ template on how to win a championship ring.
The 10-time All-Star has been known to respond to random questions from his fans and this interaction could be one of those times. More than likely, the question may have bothered him so much that it elicited a response from him.
Meanwhile, James has moved on from the Cavaliers to the Los Angeles Lakers where he is seeking his fourth championship.
Durant’s move to the Brooklyn Nets this offseason may seem like he was influenced by James once more by going to a third team, but it’s clear that the former Warrior will simply reject that idea if it’s presented to him.
