Did Tom Brady discreetly guide Kevin Durant toward the Golden State Warriors instead of the Boston Celtics?
Tom Brady, the legendary NFL quarterback formerly associated with the New England Patriots and a sports icon in Massachusetts, may have played a pivotal role in dissuading NBA superstar Kevin Durant from joining the Boston Celtics during his 2016 free agency. This revelation comes from Rich Kleiman, Durant’s former agent and current business partner, who shared the story on the All the Smoke podcast recently.
According to Kleiman, Durant told him, “I think Brady just suggested that I consider the Warriors” during their conversation in 2016. Brady was part of a group of influential figures in Boston who aimed to influence Durant’s decision. However, it appears that Brady advised Durant to prioritize the best team, organization, and opportunity to win, without specifying a preference for the Celtics or the Warriors. Durant ultimately believed that the Golden State Warriors aligned better with these criteria compared to the up-and-coming Boston Celtics. Consequently, he went on to secure two NBA championships and NBA Finals MVP Awards with the Warriors.
Following his tenure with the Warriors, Durant spent time with the Brooklyn Nets before being traded to the Phoenix Suns in the previous season. Meanwhile, the Celtics evolved into one of the premier teams in the Eastern Conference, with 2017 draft pick Jayson Tatum emerging as their centerpiece.
The potential impact of Durant joining the burgeoning Boston team instead of the Golden State Warriors remains uncertain, and Brady’s counsel could have significantly influenced the outcome.
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