Kevin Durant believed beating LeBron James in the 2017 Finals with the Golden State Warriors would make him viewed as the best player in the NBA, according to sources.

James averaged a 33.6 point-per-game triple-double in those Finals while Durant played better defense and hit a huge shot in Game 3.

Durant voiced how he was "tired of being second" all the way back in 2013.

Durant has been connected with the New York Knicks since last year's playoffs and that speculation has increased in the subsequent months.

Sources also say Durant's teammates with the Warriors would understand if he left the franchise.