Did Kevin Durant Really Almost Join The Boston Celtics Instead Of The Warriors In 2016?

Kevin Durant (Image Credits: Imagn)

Kevin Durant’s decision in the summer of 2016 remains one of the most talked-about free agency moments in NBA history. After leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder, he chose to sign with the Golden State Warriors, forming a superteam alongside Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala.

Notably, many former players have highlighted his importance in the Warriors locker room and their legacy. However, before that announcement of Durant joining the Warriors, rumors swirled that the Boston Celtics had a legitimate chance of landing KD.

So, was Boston ever truly in the running? How close did they come? Here’s what the evidence shows

The Free Agency Setup: What Boston DidKevin Durant (Image Credits: Imagn)Meetings: Durant was approached by six teams in 2016 for free agency meetings. Among them were the Warriors, Thunder (his own team), Spurs, Clippers, Celtics, and Heat.Boston used all their leverage. They had just signed Al Horford, which somewhat strengthened their recruiting pitch.The Celtics even brought in Tom Brady (NFL superstar) to the meeting as part of their pitch. Brady joined players and executives to try to persuade Durant. Durant reportedly said he was “ready to just say, ‘OK. Let’s go’” when he saw Brady there.What Durant & Others Have SaidKevin Durant (Image Credits: Getty Images)Durant himself acknowledged that Boston made a strong pitch. In interviews after he selected the Warriors, he said that there was a moment in the meeting with the Celtics when he considered going there.The Celtics believed they had a chance—enough that some players (e.g. Jae Crowder) later said they felt “slapped in the face” when Durant chose Golden State. That indicates emotions ran high and hope looked real.Why It Didn’t Happen

Even though the Celtics made a serious push, several factors tipped the scales toward Golden State:

Winning Potential & Style: The Warriors had just set the NBA record at 73–9 in the 2015–16 regular season. Durant reportedly liked their roster, their style of play, and the fact that he could join a team that was already proven.Durant’s Priorities: Growth, challenge, and opportunity were major parts of his thinking. He has said he wanted both personal and professional growth, which he believed the Warriors offered.Verdict: Yes, Boston Was A Real ContenderKevin Durant and Stephen Curry at Warriors was basketball poetry—a basketball heaven if you will.
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Putting it together:

Yes, the Celtics were genuinely in the running for Kevin Durant in 2016. They had meetings, made serious pitches, and showcased star power in their presentations; Durant admitted he considered them.FAQs

Q1. When did Durant meet with the Celtics in 2016?
He met with them in June 2016, around the time free agency began. The meeting included Celtics players, Boston management, and special guests, such as Tom Brady.

Q2. Did Boston make Durant a formal offer?
There’s no publicly confirmed binding offer from Boston that matched what Golden State presented. The Warriors’ offer ultimately became the one he accepted.

Q3. Why did Durant choose Golden State?
Because of roster strength, championship opportunity, organizational culture, and his personal goals for growth. The Warriors had just come off a historic 73-9 season and had established two All-Stars in Curry and Thompson.

Q4. Did Al Horford’s signing with Boston influence Durant’s decision?
It improved Boston’s pitch and made them look like a contender, but it wasn’t enough to sway Durant away from the Warriors.

Q5. How do Celtics fans feel about the idea now?
Many were disappointed. Some felt Boston lost a golden opportunity. Others understand it was Durant’s decision based on many factors. Over time, the narrative has softened, though the “what if” remains part of Celtics lore.

The post Did Kevin Durant Really Almost Join The Boston Celtics Instead Of The Warriors In 2016? originally published on Total Pro Sports.