Kevin Durant has been active on Twitter this summer after helping lead the Warriors to the 2017 NBA championship. He hasn’t been shy in responding to many people about many different topics of conversation.
On Wednesday, however, Durant replied to a high profiled entertainer, rapper Lil Dicky, in regards to his 2017 Finals opponent, LeBron James.
Earlier in the day, a report from Chris Sheridan indicated that the upcoming season will be James’ last with the Cavaliers.
NBA source said today: "This will be LeBron's final season in Cleveland. He is 100 percent leaving. Relationship with owners beyond repair."
— Chris Sheridan (@sheridanhoops) August 16, 2017
Reports from James’ camp came shortly after, saying the report is false. That may be the case, but that’s not to say that there isn’t some sort of disconnect between James and Cavaliers ownership.
It’s no secret that James and owner Dan Gilbert aren’t the best of friends, ever since Gilbert thrashed James in a letter following James’ decision to leave Cleveland for Miami in 2010. Early in the offseason, Gilbert parted ways with then-GM David Griffin, who James reportedly got along well with. Recent reports have stated that Kyrie Irving – the other cornerstone to the Cavaliers organization – reportedly wants out of Cleveland and away from James.
It’s no certainty that James will remain in Cleveland following the 2017-2018 NBA season. Even with a no-trade clause – that James has said he would not waive – there are still fans out there, including Lil Dicky, who believe that the Cavaliers should look into trading James and get something in return before he potentially leaves for nothing…for a second time.
Durant – the 2017 Finals MVP – responded to the suggestion that Cleveland should look to deal their franchise player.
“[You] can’t trade a legend,” Durant tweeted. “He is Cleveland, he gets to hold the cards.”
“Most owners think that way, but then you realize it’s LeBron James,” Durant added.
Durant’s praise of his fellow NBA superstar is admirable, and more than justifiable. Entering his 15th season, James is still seen by many as the best player in the league. James, a 13-time NBA All Star and four-time MVP, is coming off a 2017 Finals in which he averaged a triple-double against Durant and the Warriors.