Frustration with Russell Westbrook and the Thunder's failure to develop a more fluid offense were key factors in Kevin Durant’s decision to leave Oklahoma City and sign with the Golden State Warriors, according to a source of Bleacher Report’s Howard Beck.
Writes Beck:
“Durant wanted an offense that kept the ball moving and provided him easier scoring chances. The Thunder fired coach Scott Brooks, brought in Billy Donovan, and still the offense stalled out at key moments, often with Westbrook dribbling into oblivion. The Thunder led the NBA in blown fourth-quarter leads last season, despite their firepower.”
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A source familiar with Durant’s thinking said, "Ultimately he got frustrated and felt that they had plateaued. (Donovan) came in, and he still had the same issues that he had with Russ under Scotty. The offense didn't change much. He still had to take a ton of contested shots every game; and that's when he had the ball at all."
Durant does not anticipate having the same issues under Steve Kerr’s system in Golden State.
"He's never going to have a game in Golden State where Steve Kerr has to say at halftime, 'You guys need to get Kevin the ball,' which happened in OKC," the source said.
Even with his level of frustration, Durant would not have left the team had the Thunder won the NBA title, the source believes. OKC blew a 3-1 lead to the Warriors in the Western Conference finals.