Kevin Durant’s recent comments about the Philadelphia 76ers have unexpectedly stirred up memories of his time with the Golden State Warriors, reopening past discussions.
Durant took to social media to express his admiration for Philadelphia’s revamped roster, featuring stars like LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey. He suggested that their lineup could rival the powerhouse Warriors team he joined back in 2016. When a fan disagreed, arguing that the 76ers couldn’t compare to that legendary squad, Durant countered by listing the players’ impressive achievements.
In his defense of the 76ers, Durant couldn’t resist bringing up his former teammate, Klay Thompson.
“Klay Thompson, never a MVP candidate in nothing, 22ppg,” Durant wrote, making a stark comparison between Thompson’s achievements and the accolades of Embiid, Brown, and Maxey.
Thompson, known for his usually easygoing demeanor, was not pleased to find himself caught in the crossfire. The ex-Warriors guard responded by posting Durant’s remarks on his Instagram Story, directly addressing Durant in the process.
“Aye man u good?” Thompson wrote. “What u using my full government for??”
Draymond Green then entered the exchange with a shot referencing Durant’s history of using anonymous social-media accounts.
“Slim thought he was on his burner?” Green wrote on Threads.
The jab recalled Durant’s infamous 2017 mistake, when he defended himself in the third person from his verified account after apparently forgetting to switch profiles. It also carried added bite because of Green and Durant’s turbulent history, including their heated 2018 argument that contributed to tension during Durant’s final Warriors season.
Durant’s broader comparison is not entirely without merit. Philadelphia can field four players capable of producing at an All-Star level, including an MVP center and one of basketball’s greatest players.
The Warriors, however, had already won a championship and recorded 73 regular-season victories before Durant arrived. That group paired established chemistry with Stephen Curry’s shooting, Thompson’s two-way play and Green’s versatility before adding another MVP.
The new 76ers may possess comparable individual credentials on paper, but they have yet to play a game together. Durant’s argument will ultimately be decided on the court.
For now, it has only succeeded in uniting Thompson and Green against their former teammate.