Kerr rejects perceived rift with Durant

The day Kevin Durant left Golden State for Brooklyn via free agency in the summer of 2019, Warriors owner Joe Lacob said he would retire the jersey No. 35.

When Durant returned last month to play his first game at Chase Center, the Warriors presented a stirring video thanking Durant for his three years with the team. His former teammates voted to replay the video next season, when fans are expected to be in the arena.

So, it’s understandable why head coach Steve Kerr was so upset by Monday’s happenings.

An NBC Sports Bay Area reporter tweeted that, while speaking on a podcast with the Ringer, Kerr said he enjoyed last season, when the Warriors had the worst record in the league, more than Durant’s final season with Golden State.

The socialmedia post went viral, and prompted even Durant to respond: “This is hilarious.”

But here’s the thing: Kerr wasn’t talking about the perceived rift between the Warriors and Durant. The coach was simply comparing the stresses of a fifth straight run to the NBA Finals and the rash of seasonending injuries with playing free and easy during last season’s gap year of no expectations.

“To take that comment, put it into a tweet, and send it into the universe was so irresponsible and damaging. And, I’m angry,” Kerr said unprompted at the start of his news conference Monday. “I know what’s going to happen. I know this is going to be taken out onto the morning shows, and people are going to be talking about it. They’re going to use what they think is a quote, but is something that is actually totally made up.”

Kerr said he hadn’t yet talked to Durant or his camp immediately after practice.

“You guys know this: We are so thankful for everything that’s happened over the years here,” Kerr said. “Throughout our run, we’ve had so many great moments and great players. Kevin is celebrated here. He had an amazing run. We absolutely wish him well, and we’ve done that from the start.”

Remembering a legend: Kerr offered his condolences to the family of Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor, who died Monday at 86.

“I speak for our organization when I say just how much respect we had for Elgin, his life and his career,” Kerr said. “What an extraordinary basketball player. What an extraordinary contribution to the game. He had just a brilliant, brilliant career and has meant so much to the NBA throughout his time in the league.”