Superstar forward Kevin Durant stunned everyone in the summer of 2019 by teaming up with Kyrie Irving and signing multi-year contracts with the Brooklyn Nets as two of the most prominent free agents available.
After his incredible but contentious stint with the Golden State Warriors, Kevin Durant was totally convinced that he should stay with the Nets to pursue his career, but his family and camp were urging him to sign with Brooklyn’s intra-city rival.
NY promoting Brooklyn-Destined Kevin Durant
Durant acknowledged Rich Kleiman, his longtime agent and business partner, pushing him to sign with the New York Knicks . It was during the 2019 free agency period during a recent appearance on Boardroom Cover Story.
Kleiman asked Durant ,
“Will you tell the camera and whatever Knicks fans will watch this that I wanted you to go to the Knicks,”
Durant agreed and said,
“You definitely did. You definitely did more than anything,”
As it stands, the Nets have high expectations that Durant, an All-Star, would eventually win the title, thanks to his arrival in Brooklyn. Unfortunately, the next three and a half years were a roller coaster ride for them. The super team alliance between Kevin, Kai and James Harden ended in a sad collapse.
Rich Kleiman: “Do me a favor, clear up something you said 5 years ago, and admit the Knicks are cool”
Kevin Durant: “At that time they weren’t, the Knicks weren’t cool ..but they are a cool brand. Like right now, they popin right now, last few years they’ve been playing well”… pic.twitter.com/o2o2PRj7qx
— KnicksNation (@KnicksNation) February 20, 2024