Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant is an NBA icon and has been a defining player for the most recent era of the league, accompanied by Stephen Curry and LeBron James.
Durant's career won't be remembered without mentioning his multiple team switches. He left the Oklahoma City Thunder after an incredible eight years with the franchise, and with an equally impressive future outlook alongside Thunder co-superstar Russell Westbrook.
Still, he left the Thunder in favor of joining a 73-win Golden State Warriors team, where he won two championships in three seasons before leaving the Brooklyn Nets.
His first move, though, is one that still defines his career, even a decade removed from the situation. Now a member of the Rockets, Durant will get a front-row seat as the Thunder receives their championship rings on opening night.
The 15-time All-Star joined the "Up & Adams" show with Kay Adams, where he was asked about playing in Oklahoma City and watching them receive their rings for their first championship as a franchise.
“I'm not happy, sad or mad I missed out... I've won two... this was like a decade ago," Durant said, bluntly.
KD says he isn’t fazed about playing OKC on opening night and seeing them get their rings:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 8, 2025
“I'm not happy, sad or mad I missed out... I've won two... this was like a decade ago.”
(via @UpAndAdamsShow)pic.twitter.com/TyhH0Bxcek
No matter how much fans try to invalidate Durant's two titles with the Warriors, they are immortalized in NBA history, along with his two Finals MVP trophies.
The Thunder, however, have bounced back from Durant's departure nearly a decade ago. The franchise moved to Oklahoma City in 2008 and, despite having had many opportunities and capable teams, finally won its first claimed title in history.
Thunder fans have, in large part, moved on from Durant's free agency decision. It's history, and most will acknowledge that. Durant has moved on. The club has a title; Durant has two titles of his own.
A new, fresh era is underway in Oklahoma City, which is now headlined by a banner that will hang in the rafters.
What was once one of the most controversial topics in sports is now a thing of the past (and a tired narrative when still brought up).
The Rockets will be in the building on opening night, but Durant won't be on the minds of fans. Instead, it'll be the banner raising into the rafters, signaling a new chapter for the franchise and city.
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