The 2018-19 NBA season was a big season for many reasons. The Warriors were back-to-back NBA Champions and were on the verge of a three-peat. However, things did not look so good inside the Warriors camp. Kevin Durant was not very happy in the Bay, and everyone knew it was his last year with the Dubs.
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At the same time, many big-name free agents lined up for the summer of 2019. There were names like Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Paul George, Klay Thompson, and of course, KD. Even though it was still March, there were a lot of rumors circling back then.
One of the biggest rumors was that KD and Kyrie were looking to join forces during the free agency. The potential landing destination for the two stars appeared to be New York. However, not everyone was sure that Durant was cut out for NYC, especially Charles Barkley.
Charles Barkley claimed Kevin Durant wasn’t ‘tough enough’ for New York
With the Knicks’ rumors going around, everyone seemed to have their thoughts on the matter. As always, Charles Barkley had to have his say about the same. Chuck claimed that Kevin Durant wasn’t tough enough to play in NY.
I asked Charles Barkley today what he would say to Kevin Durant if Durant came to him for advice about signing with the Knicks: “You ain’t tough enough to play in New York.”
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) March 12, 2019
Moreover, he also addressed Kyrie Irving and said,
More Barkley: ” I dont think Durant or Kyrie are tough enough to play in NY. Kyrie’s a very good player. Kevin’s a great, great player. But Im not sure they have the mental make up to play in NY. Those guys are complaining about the media asking questions. Maybe NY isnt for them.
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) March 12, 2019
Those were bold comments to make back then, considering how KD was a back-to-back Finals MVP.
Three years down the line, Chuck may have been right. KD’s Bleacher Report interview clearly showed he wasn’t too happy in the Big Apple. Even though the team he’s in is different, Chuck’s statement about New York stays valid.
How has KD fared in New York?
Unlike the rumors, Kevin Durant ended up going to the Nets instead of the Knicks. As expected, he teamed up with Kyrie Irving there. The $200 Million worth superstar struck a sign-and-trade deal between the Warriors and the Nets, and secured a 4-year, $164 Million deal.
Durant was recovering from an Achilles injury in his first year with the Nets. In 2020-21, he led the team to the second round of playoffs, where they lost in 7 games to the eventual champions, the Bucks. In 2021-22, the Nets got swept by the Celtics in the first round.
This year, the team has a 16-12 record and sits on the 4th seed in the East. KD and the Nets would hope his fourth season with the team proves to be their best one so far.
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