The Deserved Downfall of Kevin Durant’s Legacy: How Controversy, Career Moves, and Changing Perceptions Are Rewriting the Story of an NBA Icon

I’ve been second place my whole life. I was the second-best player in high school. I was the second pick in the draft. I’ve been second in MVP voting three times. I came in second in the finals. I’m tired of being second. I’m not going to settle for that. I’m done with it.”

When Kevin Durant uttered these words on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2013, the basketball world saw a star ready to ascend. Durant’s career, already decorated with scoring titles, All-NBA honors, and an MVP, seemed destined for even greater heights. He was the leader of a young, dynamic Oklahoma City Thunder team, poised to take over the Western Conference and, perhaps, the league itself.

But as history unfolded, Durant’s journey to the top would become one of the most polarizing and debated sagas in modern sports—a tale of triumph, controversy, and the relentless pursuit of first place.

The Thunder Years: Building Toward Glory

Drafted second overall in 2007 by the Seattle SuperSonics (soon to be the Oklahoma City Thunder), Durant was an immediate sensation. His college campaign at Texas had been legendary, and his NBA arrival was electric. By his third season, Durant had claimed the scoring title and made the All-NBA First Team, finishing second to LeBron James in MVP voting.

The Thunder, built through the draft with Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka, became perennial contenders. In 2012, they reached the NBA Finals, only to fall to LeBron’s Miami Heat in five games. Still, Durant’s leadership and the team’s youth suggested a dynasty in the making.

But setbacks soon followed—Harden was traded for financial reasons, Westbrook suffered a playoff-ending injury, and the Thunder struggled to build on their early promise. Durant’s individual brilliance continued, earning him the 2014 MVP, but team success proved elusive.

2016: The Breaking Point

The 2015-16 season marked a turning point. The Thunder, led by Durant and Westbrook, stormed to the Western Conference Finals against the record-breaking 73-9 Golden State Warriors. Oklahoma City shocked the basketball world, taking a 3-1 series lead. Durant was dominant, Westbrook was electric, and the Thunder seemed poised to dethrone the Warriors.

But then, disaster struck. Golden State rallied, fueled by “Game 6 Klay” Thompson’s 41-point explosion and Stephen Curry’s brilliance. The Thunder’s offense sputtered, and they lost the series in seven games. Once again, Durant found himself second—second in the conference, second to Curry and LeBron, second in the narrative of NBA greatness.

The Decision: Joining the Warriors

On July 7, 2016, Durant shocked the sports world by signing with the Golden State Warriors. The move was seismic—Durant joined a team that had just eliminated his own, a squad already considered one of the greatest of all time. The phrase “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” became a rallying cry for critics.

The Warriors, with Durant, Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green, became a superteam for the ages. For many, everything Durant accomplished in Golden State would be marked with an asterisk. The championships, the Finals MVPs—earned, yes, but in a context that felt unfair to many fans and players.

“I still believe this move says a lot more about him than anything,” one analyst reflected. “He was willing to do anything necessary to become number one. Even if it meant ruining parity in the NBA.”

The Golden State Era: Dominance and Discontent

Durant’s time in Golden State was both triumphant and tumultuous. The Warriors bulldozed the league, winning two consecutive titles and posting historic records. Durant was the Finals MVP twice, cementing his place in basketball history.

But cracks appeared. Injuries to Durant, Thompson, and new addition DeMarcus Cousins derailed the Warriors’ quest for a third straight title, and tensions within the team—particularly between Durant and Draymond Green—soured the experience.

After losing to the Toronto Raptors in the 2019 Finals, Durant left Golden State, seeking a new chapter and, perhaps, redemption.

Brooklyn Nets: The Redemption Arc

Durant’s move to the Brooklyn Nets was seen as a chance to prove himself outside the shadow of a superteam. Teaming up with Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan, Durant aimed to build a contender from the ground up. The Nets, with promising young talent, seemed ready to support his quest.

But the Brooklyn experiment quickly unraveled. Injuries plagued the roster, chemistry issues surfaced, and the “big three” of Durant, Irving, and later James Harden never fully clicked. Coaching changes, power struggles, and off-court drama overshadowed on-court achievements.

Durant’s playoff run in 2021 was heroic—his near-buzzer-beater against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 7 remains iconic—but the Nets fell short, undone by injuries and a lack of depth. Subsequent seasons saw further decline, with Harden and Irving departing and Durant requesting a trade.

Phoenix Suns: The Final Gambit

In 2023, Durant was traded to the Phoenix Suns, joining Devin Booker and, briefly, Chris Paul. The Suns, fresh off a Finals appearance, hoped Durant would be the missing piece. But the cost was steep—Phoenix sacrificed depth, trading away key pieces like Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson.

Durant’s time in Phoenix has been marked by injuries, roster instability, and unmet expectations. The Suns, despite star power, have struggled to build a cohesive team, falling short in the playoffs and missing the postseason entirely in 2025.

The experiment, once promising, has become a cautionary tale about building around aging superstars and sacrificing depth for star power.

The Legacy Question: Greatness vs. Leadership

Durant’s career is a study in contrasts. On one hand, he is undeniably one of the most talented scorers in NBA history—a two-time champion, two-time Finals MVP, league MVP, and perennial All-Star. His skill, versatility, and longevity are unmatched.

On the other hand, Durant’s reputation has been shaped by his decisions—leaving Oklahoma City, joining Golden State, seeking new starts in Brooklyn and Phoenix. Critics argue that he lacks the leadership to build a champion from the ground up, preferring to join ready-made contenders.

“Sometimes the grass isn’t always greener,” one commentator mused. “Durant’s constant need to jump ship, his inability to lead a team to the promised land, and his tendency to strip teams of what made them good in the first place have all tarnished his legacy.”

The Cycle Continues: What Next for KD?

As Durant approaches his late 30s, rumors swirl about his next move. Will he seek another contender, perhaps in Houston, Minnesota, or Miami? Will teams continue to gamble on his talent, despite the risks?

With a $56 million expiring contract, Durant remains a valuable asset—but the question lingers: can he still be the difference-maker, or will history repeat itself?

The Verdict: A Legacy Defined by Choices

Kevin Durant’s story is one of relentless ambition, incredible talent, and controversial choices. He will be remembered as one of the game’s greats, but also as a player whose pursuit of first place often came at the expense of team identity and league parity.

Fans, analysts, and fellow players will debate Durant’s legacy for years to come. Was he a champion, or a mercenary? A leader, or a passenger? Did he change the game for the better, or simply for himself?

What is certain is that Durant’s journey—from second place to the top, and back again—reflects the complex realities of modern sports, where greatness is measured not just by rings and records, but by the path taken to achieve them.

What do you think about Kevin Durant’s legacy? Should his championships in Golden State define his career, or do his later struggles matter more? Share your thoughts in the comments, subscribe to our newsletter for more coverage, and join the conversation as the NBA’s most fascinating story continues to unfold.