Kevin Durant:
With option to leave, forward says he’s staying.
SAN ANTONIO — In case there was any doubt about Kevin Durant’s future with the Warriors, the eight-time AllStar squelched it before Monday’s Game 4 by reiterating to ESPN’s site the Undefeated that he plans to play for Golden State next season.
“Yeah, I love it here,” Durant said when asked whether he’ll be in a Warriors uniform in 2017-18. “I love my teammates. I love the city (of Oakland). I love the organization. I love it here. I don’t plan on going anywhere else.”
Durant signed a two-year, $54.3 million deal with the Warriors in July with a player option after the first season. Because the NBA salary cap jumps significantly next season, he put himself in position to earn more money long-term by inking a short-term contract.
It hardly signaled any reservations on his part about staying with Golden State. Two weeks after Durant’s former Thunder teammate, Kendrick Perkins, said he “wouldn’t be surprised if (Durant) goes back to Oklahoma City,” Durant left little room for misinterpretation.
“I made the 100 percent correct decision, win or lose,” Durant said of signing with the Warriors. “I feel like this is the place I was supposed to be. I appreciate everything I’ve done before this. But I’m here now, and I feel like it’s a great spot for me to be.
“This is where I am supposed to be at this point of my life. I’m taking it on and conquering every part of it. I’m enjoying every single step.” Watch out: Social media was abuzz for two days with reaction to Durant’s “If you don’t like it, don’t watch it” comment.
The suggestion, made after the Warriors’ Game 3 win Saturday, referenced the abundance of blowouts in these NBA playoffs. Many seized on the sound bite, criticizing Durant for encouraging fans to turn off games if they’re not happy with the on-court product.
“I mean, life can be simple, man,” Durant told ESPN on Monday. “If you don’t like the way the game is going, just turn it off. If you’re enjoying it, just keep it on. Life is simple. I didn’t mean it to disrespect anybody, but if you felt disrespected, I’m sorry. But if you don’t enjoy the game, turn it off (and) turn something else on. If you do, enjoy the rest of it, man.” Brand building: Forward Draymond Green’s representatives have moved to trademark the phrase, “Dray Day,” according to an ESPN report.
The filing requests to use “Dray Day” on everything from smartphone chargers to backpacks to fitness equipment to podcasts. Green started a “Dray Day” podcast this season, which is run through Uninterrupted, a network in which Green has an ownership stake with the Cavaliers’ LeBron James.