Kevin Durant says that his spat with Draymond Green will not affect his free agency.
Durant and Green got into a heated verbal altercation after the Golden State Warriors’ overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last week. Durant was unhappy with Green over the way he handled the final possession of regulation. The two argued on the court, went on to lose the game in OT, and then the drama spilled into the locker room.
Green reportedly challenged Durant about his free agency plans and even told him the Warriors didn’t need him. There was heavy speculation that the argument would push Durant out the door, but he says that’s not the case.
Durant told Yahoo that he wants to be in a “great environment” and implies Golden State provides that.
“Nah, [it won’t factor],” Durant told Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes. “Because at the end of the day, I’m just a ballplayer that’s just trying to be in a great environment to play basketball and groom my skills every day. And I want to compete on a level that once the game starts, I’m just totally comfortable with my surroundings, with just going out there and being me.”
Durant signed a 1-and-1 deal with the Warriors during the offseason. He took less pay to give the Dubs financial flexibility, but the cost is he can become a free agent after the season by declining his option. Multiple teams would love to get their hands on Durant if he becomes available, and there is some thinking that now that he has won championships, he might be ready for a new challenge. There also was some thinking that the Warriors suspended Green as punishment to send a message to Durant that they support him.
