Ever since a certain moment in time, there has been a media narrative crafted in an effort to make Kevin Durant appear as a villain. You probably already guessed it, but that moment was when Durant made the decision to join the Golden State Warriors in free agency back in 2016. Ever since then, the label of a villain has been attached to him by those who wished to make him appear in this light. But fans of the Phoenix Suns know better than to listen to such things.
A perfect example of how this perception does not match up with reality was the exchange Durant had with Coach Budenholzer at the beginning of March. After a verbal dispute with his now-former coach during a game, some tried to claim that KD was not setting the right on-court example and had a toxic relationship with his coach. Durant himself rebuked this idea in a postgame presser.
"That's what usually happens when you don't know dynamics of the relationship," Durant said. "You catch something on TV, you get a quote and now you pushing that narrative as if me and Bud don't do that s--- all the time. We're competitive as two individuals who want to see things done the right way, and sometimes my way ain't the way that Bud wants to do it and vice versa."
Those who know, know that Durant is truly a very mature leader and is far from a villain that people should want to root against. He showed this to be true yet again with a Tuesday exchange on social media with Forbes Sports' Shane Young.
Shane, I appreciate your approach to your work, u made basketball convos fun and easy. Great working with u brother and I appreciate the kind words
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) April 15, 2025
Durant thanked respected writer for his work
Given that there is a very real chance the Suns' star is gone this summer, Young wrote a post thanking Durant for the experience he got to have in covering KD over the last few seasons in Phoenix, and stated that it was always a pleasure to talk to him as someone who truly appreciates the game. Durant responded, essentially returning the favor. He wrote: Shane, I appreciate your approach to your work, u made basketball convos fun and easy. Great working with u brother and I appreciate the kind words.
This is just the latest example that KD is not a villain, he's a man of the people. Durant may be 6-foot-11 and one of the most supremely talented scorers of all-time, but at the end of the day, he is just like you and me. He's someone who truly loves basketball and loves getting to talk about it.
A lot of basketball conversations these days have been corrupted and turned into disingenuous discussions. But as always, Durant appreciates those who keep it real and enjoy breaking down the game in meaningful ways. Suns fans and those who truly know KD are far from surprised.