Kevin Durant's legacies in Oklahoma City and Golden State assessed
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 20, 2026, 7:19 PM
Last updated Sep 20, 2026
Kevin Durant's impact on the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors reflects two distinct phases of his career. In Oklahoma City, he became the franchise’s centerpiece and led the team to the NBA Finals in 2012, though they fell short of a championship. His tenure with the Warriors, marked by two consecutive championships in 2017 and 2018 and Finals MVP honors, created a championship legacy. Discussions have begun regarding the potential retirement of his jersey number 35 by both franchises due to these contrasting contributions. Durant continues to play for the Houston Rockets, leaving any retirement ceremony distant for now.
- •Durant spent nine seasons with the Thunder, winning the MVP award in 2014.
- •He led the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals but did not win a championship.
- •With the Warriors, he won titles in 2017 and 2018, earning Finals MVP both times.
- •Debate exists over the retirement of Durant's No. 35 by both teams.
- •Durant is currently playing for the Houston Rockets.
- 7:19 PMYahoo Sports — Kevin Durant Left Oklahoma City And Golden State With 2 Very Different Legacies
"Kevin Durant built his NBA career in several places, but two stops shaped his legacy more than any others. Oklahoma City gave him the longest stretch of his prime, while Golden State produced the championship run that changed the way his career is remembered. Now, those two chapters are being discussed for the same reason. [...]
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