Update: Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has refuted the notion that the Warriors had any issue with the Thunder’s treatment of Kevin Durant during his return in early March. Kerr told reporters Monday morning that the Thunder are a first class organization and that he considers OKC general manager Sam Presti a friend.
Steve Kerr calls Sam Presti a friend and the Thunder a “first-class” organization, disputes ESPN report pic.twitter.com/dhPpiEwKCl
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 20, 2017
Less than 12 hours before the Golden State Warriors head to Chesapeake Arena in Oklahoma City for the second time since Kevin Durant’s departure, sources have informed ESPN’s Chris Haynes that the Warriors were ‘furious and bewildered’ that the Thunder organization did nothing to acknowledge Durant’s return on Feb. 11.
Still recovering from a right knee injury, it is unlikely Durant will be on the bench for Monday’s game. That was not the case a month ago, when a healthy Durant was greeted by a hostile environment from his former supporters, after ending his nine-year career with the Oklahoma City franchise this summer.
The Warriors were expecting Thunder management to address the media before Durant’s return in March to ease the hostility, and acknowledge the contributions made by arguably the franchise’s greatest player. According to Haynes, the Thunder’s decision not to hold a press conference, amplified the tension on both sides, and contributed to “outrage and indignation that created an unsettling, hostile atmosphere.”
Durant, who was booed constantly every time he touched the ball, also reportedly believes that the situation could’ve been handled better.
The closest anyone in the Thunder organization came to making an official statement on Durant’s return came from general manager Sam Presti, who spoke with ESPN shortly before the game.
“We are very appreciative of Kevin’s contributions during the first eight years of the Thunder,” Presti told ESPN’s Royce Young. “As we have said, they’re a big reason for the foundation that we stand on today. He, in partnership with many teammates, invested a great deal in helping to build a culture and identity for a franchise in its infancy stages, one whose accomplishments and identity we should all take great pride in representing.
“When Kevin made the decision to leave and move on from Oklahoma and the Thunder, we responded in a manner that is consistent with how the Thunder tries to conduct itself, and I am incredibly proud of the people across our entire organization and the professionalism they have demonstrated. They have embraced Kevin’s past with the Thunder while sensibly and passionately investing in those that stand with us as we continue our work in Oklahoma with an inspired and positive outlook.”
Durant is expected to stay in the locker room during Monday’s game to receive treatment on his knee.