Shock waves reverberated around the NBA on Monday when Kevin Durant chose to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors — the team that came back to beat them in the Western Conference finals.
Though Durant's decision was ultimately his own, Draymond Green played a large role in convincing the seven-time All-Star to come to the Bay Area.
How did he do it? He just let Durant know he'd be a part of the group.
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“I mean, I was really just telling him about the fun we have together — the fun that this team has and how he would be welcome here with open arms," Green told Sports Illustrated . "And it’s not about ‘I’ with us on this team. It’s all about ‘we’ and winning championships. He fits that mold perfectly because that’s who he is. It doesn’t take him changing his whole game or changing his personality to come join us. He’s just going to be Kevin.”
Green understands the magnitude of the move and the affect it will have on the league because Durant is a special player moving to an already special team.
“I’m so excited," Green said. "I think this is definitely one of the biggest moves in NBA history. And I say that because I think [Kevin] is one of the best players in NBA history. I’m excited, and I’m excited for KD. He has put himself in the position where he’s done everything he can do. He deserves the right to make his own decision and do what makes him happiest."
At the end of the day, Green is just happy he doesn't have to worry about guarding Durant in a deciding Game 7, at least for a while.
“Well, I’ll have to guard him every day in practice (laughs)," he said. "That’s a little less intense than a game though. I’m definitely happy. He’s one of the greatest scorers to play this game and it’s good to play with him and not guard him. That makes my job easier.”
Safe to say that Green is pretty happy that Durant chose Golden State.
Welcome to THE FAMILY @KDTrey5 let's just do what we are setting out to do!! #Blockoutthenoise
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) July 4, 2016