Kevin Durant Accused Of Giving Jalen Brunson Backhanded Compliment

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jun 27, 2026 2:13 PM ET

Exactly two weeks after winning the NBA Finals, star guard Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks received some advice from Kevin Durant.

Durant, a two-time NBA champion, spoke about the Knicks' epic playoff run during an interview with Wall Street Journal in Cannes. He believes Brunson, who averaged 32.6 points per game during the Finals, must keep his foot on the gas now that New York is back on top of the world.

"I would tell him to strike while the iron’s hot," Durant said. "This is a time that I don’t think New Yorkers or the Knicks are gonna get back. You gotta take advantage of this time right now, you don’t know if this will come around again. It’s been 53 years. It could be another 53-year wait."

NBA fans are convinced Durant gave Brunson a backhanded compliment during his interview with Wall Street Journal.

"This feels like he’s basically saying it was a fluke," one fan replied.

"Bros mad Brunson’s ring outweighs both of his combined," a second fan declared.

"A passenger telling the bus driver what to do," another fan commented.

Feb 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots past Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images&period;

Durant could've joined the Knicks.

The Knicks were seriously interested in signing Durant back in 2019, but he ultimately agreed to a four-year, $164.3 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets.

While there's no question Knicks fans respect Durant's skills on the hardwood, he's not exactly beloved in the Big Apple because he turned down the chance to resurrect the franchise.

Brunson, on the other hand, has cemented his status as a legend in New York. In fact, he'll probably never have to pay for a meal again.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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