Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant is an all-time NBA player. There's no disregarding that simple fact. The two-time champion and 15-time All-Star will go down as one of the most notable players of all time.
Durant's move from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Golden State Warriors was defining for his career, though, and often shadows his actual on-court impact.
The free agency move is ingrained in his legacy. The decision is often brought up before mentioning his two NBA titles. He left the Thunder -- where he spent nine years with the franchise and eight years in Oklahoma City -- for the Warriors in free agency after blowing a 3-1 lead to them in the Western Conference Finals.
Also, the Warriors were fresh off a historical 73-win campaign, yet they were able to add Durant as a free agency signing.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green guards Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green guards Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant
© Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
Despite having since played for the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns, many still attribute Durant's tenure in the Bay Area to why they feel the way they do about him.
X user @HanaHoops posed a question about Durant's legacy.
"I think it’s time to admit Kevin Durants trajectory after leaving Golden State is very underwhelming," @HanaHoops posed.
Durant, an active user of the website, responded.
"I highly disagree, wanna debate??" Durant wrote back.
The comment comes as Durant is set to be traded by the Suns to his third team since leaving the Warriors in free agency in 2019.
Conveniently enough, the Warriors and Suns nearly struck a trade deadline deal to return Durant to Golden State before the club instead landed Jimmy Butler.
Durant clearly believes his time post-Warriors has been strong, as he's willing to debate the matter. He's remained a high-level scorer, though his teams haven't been able to pose a serious championship threat.
Who knows, maybe the Warriors and Durant will have a reunion this offseason to try and capture Golden State one last title before ushering in a new era.
Regardless, while a move hasn't been made, it's expected the former MVP winner will be traded early this offseason.