Some of the teams pursuing Kevin Durant were told he was turned off by something he heard in the Golden Warriors’ initial presentation.
“They were telling him about how they were going to win championships even if he didn’t come there,” said a coach. “I don’t think they came right out and said he wasn’t going to win if he didn’t sign with them — that would be crazy — but I was told that’s how he kind of took it.”
The statement was reportedly made by Draymond Green, who had been the member of the Warriors most frequently in touch with him about joining the team over the past few months.
“We asked him how many championships do you think we can win with the way the team is now? How many championships can you win without us? How many do you think we can win together?” Green told ESPN of his comments.
A follow-up call from Jerry West smoothed over any issues Durant may have had.
“I think that was important,” he said. “I think Kevin was interested in Golden State big time as the playoffs went on, but if he had any doubts, I think hearing from someone of Jerry West’s stature was important. When Jerry talks, you listen. Some young guys may not get how big a deal Jerry West is, but Kevin is a bright guy and he’s into the history of the game. He knows what Jerry West is to basketball.
“I think that (call) made him feel more comfortable about leaving OKC and coming to a team that was already great.”