Kevin Durant is heading back to Oklahoma City on a night that’s sure to stir emotions. Speaking on Up & Adams, the Rockets star reflected on facing the Thunder during their ring ceremony, saying he’s unsure whether to find the moment “cool” or awkward given the complicated history between him and his former team.
“I think I’ve been around for so long that that storyline still has some type of legs to be the first game on this new broadcast,” Durant said. “I don’t know whether to think that’s cool or not, but it should be a fun night. OKC is getting their rings, I’m in the building and they pan over to see my reaction. Their getting their rings is the most important thing though.”
While some NBA stars might hold a grudge against their former team, Kevin Durant has a different approach. After so much time away from the Thunder, he’s learned to accept his past and be grateful for what he was able to accomplish. Even as he watches the Thunder receive their championship rings, Durant won’t feel any jealousy or strife. He’s been celebrating with the rest of the fans, even though he knows the media will try and make it something bigger.
“I’m not happy, or sad, or mad I missed out because I’ve won two championships,” Durant added. “This was like a decade ago. I just think there’s a lot of controversy surrounding my name and Oklahoma City. To celebrate the start of the season with that context, I don’t know if it’s cool or not. I’m grateful to be playing on that night but it’s just like what storylines might come from this game? Some storylines may not involve celebrating the game, celebrating OKC, and what they did last season.”
Durant, 37, played for nine years on the Thunder, where he averaged 27.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 48.3% shooting. He was the face of the franchise for nearly a decade, leading them to multiple playoff runs and a Finals appearance in 2012. In 2014, he famously won MVP as the league’s leading scorer (32.0 points per game).
His tenure ended in the summer of 2016, when he ultimately chose to sign with the Warriors after another failed season in OKC. He went on to win two championships in Golden State before moving on to join the Nets and then the Suns. With his current team (the Rockets), he’s hoping to establish a new dynasty and hold his place as one of the best in the league.
After all these years, Durant and the Thunder will have their latest meeting on opening night this October and how Durant responds is going to be very important. Fortunately, he’s not backing down from the challenge and it could set the stage for a major redemption arc.
In the end, Kevin Durant’s return to Oklahoma City is going to be one of those moments that feels bigger than basketball. It’s not about revenge or bitterness anymore, it’s about coming full circle. After nearly a decade of distance, KD seems at peace with his past and ready to write the next chapter of his career. When the Thunder raise their banner, all eyes will be on his reaction, but for Durant, the focus is already on what comes next.
