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Why the NBA not ‘fulfilling’ Kevin Durant is a plus for the Golden State Warriors

By Nathan Beighle

OAKLAND, CA - FEBRUARY 2: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors smiles before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 2, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - FEBRUARY 2: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors smiles before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 2, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Kevin Durant recently made a statement that you don’t often see in the NBA.

The four-time scoring champion, former MVP, and current Warriors’ superstar, Kevin Durant, said the NBA will not ‘fulfill’ him, per NBC Sports.

"I don’t need anything in this basketball world to fulfill anything in me. The NBA is never going to fulfill me. It’s going to make me feel good about all of the work that I’ve put in, but I think those days of me wanting to prove something to anybody or walk around with a huge chip on my shoulder is not my thing."

This comes off a question on whether or not Durant would find pleasure in building something within a hopeless franchise. While the author, Kerith Burke, didn’t want it to be directly about free agency, in some aspects, it had to be taken that way.

Durant adds that he’ll be fulfilled by time with family and those that’ve stood by him from day one.   That said, how can we, as Warrior fans, translate Durant’s statement into something that is meaningful for his upcoming free agency?

At the end of the day, we don’t want to put words in Durant’s mouth. Obviously, if Durant thinks he’s better off elsewhere, then so be it, but his home is in Golden State. The new Chase Center will be awaiting him next year and so will a statue if he stays in the Bay for the distant future.

Most of all, his legacy will be in Golden State. Durant, after leaving Oklahoma City, was thought to have sold out and wanted only to find rings the easy way. However, he’s found so much more than just personal success in Golden State.

Here me out. Durant is, contrary to popular belief, happy in Golden State. He’s averaging 27.5 points per game and a career-high 5.8 assists per game. The Dubs are over 18 points better than their opponent with the superstar on the court.

He’s clearly thriving in Golden State. On top of that, he doesn’t feel the need to go out and build a franchise. Durant didn’t answer the question clearly, but he did give us enough of an answer as we need.

While he hasn’t said explicitly that he wants to stay in Golden State, it continues to seem like he’ll give the Warriors ever chance to retain him. However, they’ll have to do their part and give him a salary worthy of a superstar.

Next. Looking three years into the Golden future. dark

At the end of the day, Durant has said time and time again that he’s got nothing left to prove. For Warrior fans, that should be reassuring that the 2x champion will continue to take the ‘easy’ route and win in Golden State.

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