While the Golden State Warriors' core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala proved vital in recruiting Kevin Durant, as did Jerry West, the presence of Steve Nash within the organization also made a difference.

Several Warriors' coaches and executives credited Nash with helping in land Durant, who retired a year ago as a player and was hired by the Warriors as a player development consultant. 

“Without Steve Nash,” one says, “I’m not sure if we get Kevin Durant.”

“I think it was as much a personal move for his happiness and development as it was to win,” Nash told reporters about Durant's decision.

Durant shared more fundamental concerns about chemistry and fit in conversations with Nash.

“Steve knows us—our culture and our guys—so well,” said Bruce Fraser, who is an assistant coach with the Warriors and also worked with Nash with the Suns. “He doesn’t sell anybody on anything. He’s just a great sounding board.”