Kevin Durant has sparked renewed conversation by taunting Oklahoma City Thunder fans as they prepared to celebrate their first NBA championship. The exchange took place shortly before the Thunder were set to receive their championship rings, with Durant addressing fans on social media, making it clear he was enjoying the moment at their expense. This interaction highlights Durant’s enduring connection and complicated history with the franchise and its supporters.
Durant, once potentially the greatest player in Thunder history, left the team to join the Golden State Warriors—the same squad that eliminated Oklahoma City in the playoffs. Despite criticism over his decision, Durant has remained unbothered by detractors, often responding to them directly online, showing a willingness to engage rather than ignore criticism.
Social Media Exchange Between Durant and Thunder Supporters
The two-time NBA champion was questioned by an Oklahoma City fan about how he would feel witnessing his former team hoist their first-ever championship banner. Durant’s reply was sharp and unmistakably pointed. When the fan asked,
“where will your mental be opening night when you watch the team that gave you everything raise a banner after you left them high and dry,”
Durant responded bluntly,
“Finally. It’s been 10 years, bout time they win one lmaooo.”
Durant continued the back-and-forth, remaining unapologetic when faced with criticism of his personality. After being called a narcissist by a fan, he shot back,
“You’re right, I care more about me than I care about your fanbase. You caught me lmao,”
revealing his characteristic mix of humor and defiance.
Respect for the Thunder’s Progress Despite Past Tensions
Although Durant is known for his candid responses and does not shy away from stirring controversy, he has expressed genuine respect for what the Thunder have accomplished since his departure. Earlier in the year, when the Thunder made a deep playoff run, Durant praised their current squad’s strengths, particularly this version’s impressive shooting and overall versatility.
Addressing a fan’s question about how the 2025 Thunder team would fare against his 2012 squad, Durant said,
“Im not big on hypotheticals so idk but this 2025 thunder team, they are historically great. Great shooting all across the board, efficient go to scorer in deuce, size and athleticism all across the board, versatility, shooting big and bruiser big, great coaching. Just a flat out perfectly crafted unit. I (expletive) with their approach to basketball. They are puttin together great film to learn from.”
While Durant’s departure left fans wondering about what might have been for Oklahoma City’s Big 3 era, nearly a decade later both Durant and the Thunder seem to have found their paths. Durant remains closely linked to the franchise’s history, but his move has allowed both him and the Thunder to evolve and succeed in their own ways.