Kevin Durant initially objected to the sign-and-trade scenario involving D'Angelo Russell going to the Golden State Warriors.

The Brooklyn Nets had enough cap space to sign Durant outright and there was no specific advantage for him to help the Warriors.

Multiple sources told Brian Windhorst that Durant didn't want to be traded for Russell straight up because he didn't think it was a fair deal. The Warriors had to convince Durant of the trade on top of the Nets.

The Warriors had to give up a first round pick for Durant to sign off on the deal, though it is top-20 protected next year.