Kevin Durant on Russell Westbrook retirement: It just hit me, man, because it’s just like that’s one of the first dudes you come in with and you was around every day to finally step out of this sh*t. You know what I’m saying? It’s just like a lot of guys that’s been younger than me or drafted after me have retired, but I wasn’t as close to them as I was to Russell. Sharing the same. And then as somebody I felt like can still, you know what I’m saying? It surprised me, you know? So, yeah, it was one of those things that you can appreciate all the time spent and then you can somebody like Russ who’s doing a lot off the court too, you know. I want to see what he does next.
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Fastbreak Hoops: Kevin Durant joining Golden State cost him a chance at having one of the most respected legacies in NBA history. The rings helped his résumé, but they absolutely hurt the way people remember his career. Kyle Kuzma: His legacy is upmost respected amongst his peers and that my friend is truly the only thing that matters. The people that really tie those sneakers up say that you’re him. Not the media, not the fan. Golden state or not. Matt Champion: You trying to say fans don’t matter, Kuz? You’re a Lakers champ, so you’ll always have my respect, but that seems surprising coming from you. I agree on KD, btw. One of the best to ever play. Kyle Kuzma: Thank you my brother… Fans matter 100%. Never said otherwise. My point was fans and players see the game differently, and both views are real. — 8/20/2026 x.com
Shams Charania: Harden's career earnings will now reach $511 million, making him the fourth player in NBA history to eclipse the $500 million mark, joining the 76ers' LeBron James, the Rockets' Kevin Durant and the Warriors' Stephen Curry. Harden turns 37 next Wednesday (Aug. 26), and when the 11-time NBA All-Star officially signs, he will become the second player in league history to sign for over $90 million in guaranteed salary at age 37 or older, with LeBron being the other. — 8/20/2026 x.com
Tomer Azarly: If you could go back and team up with any player in NBA history all-time, who would it be? Can you even pick just one? Chet Holmgren: Ooh, that's a tough one. Yeah, I don't know. Can I maybe give a starting five? Obviously Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, I'd say like OKC Kevin Durant, and one more. I'd say 2011 Dirk Nowitzki. — 8/20/2026 Clutch Points
The changes are due, at least in part, to the stricter salary cap rules, including the first and second aprons. Criticism of this is growing louder… Isaiah Hartenstein: It's always difficult for us. These rules were introduced back then because of Kevin Durant 's move to the Golden State Warriors , to prevent teams from having too many players of that caliber. But currently, it's not working out as intended. We're a team that has built up players from scratch, who then have to be traded again because of the second apron. That's a shame. It was the same issue with my contract. It's not like the team doesn't want to pay you. But when you're in the second apron, it's no longer just a financial question; you're also severely restricted in trades. That makes it really difficult for a team, and I think ultimately it hasn't really helped the players either. — 8/16/2026 Basketball World
MAL: Klay Thompson reveals his ALL-TIME starting five C — Shaquille O’Neal PF — Tim Duncan SF — LeBron James SG — Kobe Bryant PG — Stephen Curry Klay explained why he went with Shaq, praising how he completely changed the game, while calling Tim Duncan the definition of consistency. He chose LeBron over Larry Bird and Kevin Durant, Kobe over Michael Jordan because he grew up watching Kobe and eventually played against him, and stayed loyal to Steph at point guard. — 8/14/2026 x.com
"That would be a great series. I mean, they have a team that is perfect for the modern game, as far as positionless players," the current Dallas Mavericks veteran said. "You've got Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Ron Harper, Toni Kukoc, Luc Longley, Dennis Rodman. They've got a stacked team. It would be a great series with MJ. "But man, the firepower we had, I think, was once in a lifetime between two MVPs on the team in Steph [Curry] and KD [Kevin Durant], and myself playing off the ball, and Draymond facilitating, Andre [Iguodala] as Swiss Army knife. "I'm going to give the edge to the Dubs just because I think our shot-making might separate us. But it would definitely go seven games." — 8/14/2026 BasketNews
Kevin Durant: We know what zero was on…keep inspiring in the next phase of life champ. I don’t care what happens, can’t erase what it was…The first YNs, finals run in our early 20s, all star games, seeing each other get injured and bounce back, the bus rides, plane rides, card games, jokes and arguments, the whole thing, memorable!! …to the whole Westbrook family, Nina, the kids, mama Westbrook, big Russ, Ray, Donnell, everybody from luezinger high and ucla and many more that I’m forgettin, much love and Congratulations on a iconic career. — 8/13/2026 Twitter @KDTrey5
Kevin Durant: It was inspiring as his teammate and everywhere I went, I seen it inspire people from all walks of life, crazy thing is, he didn’t say much, he just showed up. For 18 years. This basketball life is sacred to us as professionals, what we put into that court means everything. Some of us wish we could go back and do things with a little more intent and some can just wipe their hands and be satisfied with the time spent. Who u gonna be? — 8/13/2026 Twitter @KDTrey5
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Kevin Durant says Russell Westbrook retirement affected him: It was one of the first dudes I came in with and was around every day
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