Kevin Durant came out to Philadelphia to watch the MLB All-Star game, where he caught up with John Clark of NBCS. They spoke about the fans in Philadelphia, Jaylen Brown’s trade to the 76ers, and LeBron James’ future.
“Philly fans, man, they got the most passion. It’s up there. I think everyone on the East Coast is pretty passionate, from New York, Boston, Philly, usually those three are the most radical fans when it comes to being loud at the ballpark or the arena,” said Durant initially on the atmosphere at the All-Star Game in Philadelphia.
“Yeah, sometimes, it’s all in good fun,” said Durant on whether he trash-talks with Philadelphia fans. “It’s respect, because when they start talking to you, that means they respect you, you know. They fear you a little bit.”
“So you can hear it in their voice, the ones that respect you and the ones that don’t. It all tips on that line of respect for me. So it’s all cool, it’s a fun exchange.”
The Rockets’ forward never backs down from exchanges with fans on the sidelines and on social media because he views it as an integral part of sports, as long as it is respectful to some extent.
Clark then asked Durant about Jaylen Brown’s move to the 76ers and his first impressions of their roster.
“Dangerous, dangerous, dangerous. It’s gonna be exciting, I’m happy for him. It’s a fresh start, and Philly fans are going to love him,” said Durant, who later said he wasn’t stunned to hear the news.
“Nah, you can’t be stunned, it’s the NBA. Luka Doncic got traded in the middle of the night. Nothing is out of the realm for me anymore as an NBA player.”Â
The last time Jaylen Brown was in trade rumors, it was for Kevin Durant in 2022, when he requested a trade from the Nets. Durant acknowledges that he is no longer surprised that franchises even trade their best players in their prime to maximize business profits or push ulterior agendas.
Rumors also suggested that there was a three-team trade that was discussed, which involved the Rockets trading Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun and landing Jaylen Brown and draft assets in return. But the Rockets reportedly declined that trade.
The NBCS sports anchor then moved on to inquire where Kevin Durant thinks LeBron James is headed this summer.
“I have no clue. Wherever he goes, he’s going to ball out. He’s going to prove he has a lot left in the tank at 42 years old. Any team is going to be better because of him,” Durant said.
If LeBron James chooses to stay in the West, then we could potentially see another matchup in the playoffs between the duo. Last season, Durant was injured during the Rockets’ first-round series against the Lakers (played only one game). But all sources suggest that James is focusing on heading to the Eastern Conference.
Kevin Durant was himself among trade rumors this summer as the Pistons emerged as a potential suitor interested in his services. But fortunately, it seems like all signs indicate Durant will remain in Houston.
However, Durant rightly pointed out that anything is possible in today’s NBA. The Rockets’ front office was reportedly open to listening to offers for their All-Stars, but was only willing to make a move if they got a franchise-altering return for either of the players.
So it is possible that even Kevin Durant could end up with another team this summer. It is the unpredictability of the NBA that often makes it as exciting as it is. All fans now remain on the edge of their seats in anticipation of where LeBron James is headed next.
