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Rival superstar hypocritical on Golden State Warriors’ most controversial signing

By Peter O'Keefe

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 27: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers at ORACLE Arena on December 27, 2018 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. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 27: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers at ORACLE Arena on December 27, 2018 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. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors’ acquisition of Kevin Durant in the 2016 offseason remains one of the most shocking free agent moves in NBA history. Despite seven years having passed, and four years since the two-time Finals MVP departed the franchise, it still garners conversation on a regular basis.

Now, superstar guard Damian Lillard has reiterated his thoughts on Durant’s historic move from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Warriors, one that produced back-to-back NBA championships and a third Finals appearance in 2019.

Damian Lillard’s comments on Kevin Durant’s move to the Golden State Warriors are a little hypocritical given some of the parallels with his current trade request.

Joining the ‘BACKONFIGG’ Podcast recently, Lillard boldly declared he’d rather lose every year than move to his hometown team in Golden State, while also criticizing Durant’s move to The Bay in 2016.

"“I’ve said this plenty of times before, KD is obviously one of the greatest players of all time, but if I was in his shoes, I wouldn’t have done that personally”, Lillard said."

Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers is guarded by Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on November 23, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers is guarded by Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on November 23, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Durant joined the Warriors immediately following the team’s Finals loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, which is quite ironic given Lillard is currently in the midst of wanting a trade to the 2023 NBA finalist Miami Heat.

Sure, there’s far greater context to consider Durant’s move to be much more controversial than that of Lillard’s request, but the point remains that the Blazers star is wishing to join one of the league’s best run franchises with two All-Star level players in Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.

Lillard’s been one of the most loyal players in NBA history, probably to his own detriment. He also has a four-year contract with Portland, yet is now looking to be moved to a team further in the championship window.

dark. Next. Golden State Warriors undervalued as trade destination for two-time MVP

Most fans may not have an issue with Lillard’s current trade request, but surely there’s a sense of hypocrisy here as the 33-year-old tries to chase the elusive NBA championship he’s so desperate to win.

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