Kevin Durant has ignited a debate involving two of his former Golden State Warriors teammates after arguing that Philadelphia’s new superstar roster is stronger “on paper” than the team that dominated the NBA during his time in California.
Durant’s assessment included a blunt reference to Klay Thompson’s individual résumé, prompting responses from Thompson, Draymond Green and former NBA forward Evan Turner.
Durant Backs Philadelphia Over Golden State
The debate began when Durant was asked about a Philadelphia 76ers roster featuring LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey.
“The last time they put three 20-point scorers on a team, they said it was unfair, which was the team I was on,” Durant said at a USA Basketball event.
“They’ve got four 25-point scorers on this team.”
A supporter later asked Durant on Instagram whether he genuinely believed Philadelphia’s current roster was better on paper than the Warriors team he joined in 2016.
“Ain’t close,” Durant responded.
“Joel, MVP recently. Jaylen Brown, recent Finals MVP. Tyrese Maxey, All-Star the last three years. We all know what Bron does.
“Klay Thompson, never an MVP candidate in nothing, 22 points per game. Draymond, 14 points, seven rebounds, six assists. Steph an MVP just like Joel was. I don’t get how the Warriors team is better on paper.”
Durant was comparing individual production and awards rather than arguing that Philadelphia had already achieved more as a team.
Evan Turner Calls Durant’s Comment ‘Aggressive’
Former NBA forward Evan Turner took issue with the language Durant used when discussing Thompson.
“‘Was never an MVP in anything’ is a tad bit aggressive, LOL,” Turner wrote on X.
Turner played against Golden State throughout the Durant era and has previously described the difficulty of defending a lineup featuring Durant, Thompson, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala.
Although Thompson has never won an NBA MVP award, Durant’s comment overlooks a decorated career that includes four championships, five All-Star selections and two All-NBA Third Team appearances.
Thompson was also selected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2019 and became one of the most prolific three-point shooters in league history.
Klay Thompson Questions Durant’s Swipe
Thompson responded directly after Durant’s comments began circulating online.
“Aye man u good?” Thompson wrote on his Instagram story while tagging Durant.
“What u using my full government for?”
The response appeared more bemused than hostile, but it made clear Thompson had noticed his former teammate’s assessment.
Thompson and Durant played together for three seasons in Golden State, reaching three consecutive NBA Finals and winning championships in 2017 and 2018.
Durant won Finals MVP in both championship campaigns, while Thompson’s shooting and perimeter defence were central to the Warriors’ success.
Draymond Green Joins The Debate
Green also responded to Durant’s comments by referencing his former teammate’s well-documented history of using anonymous social-media accounts.
“Slim thought he was on his burner?” Green posted.
He later explained that Durant’s comparison reflected the way the Houston Rockets star assesses basketball talent.
“You have to understand the way KD views basketball,” Green said on his podcast.
“The way KD views basketball is very Uncle Drew-ish. This game will and always will be about buckets. So he’s going to mention the 25-point scorers.”
Green acknowledged Philadelphia’s scoring talent but disagreed with the suggestion that its roster was clearly better than Golden State’s 2016-17 team.
Warriors’ Record Remains The Difference
Philadelphia may possess greater individual scoring numbers on paper, but the current group has yet to play an NBA game together.
Golden State’s Durant-era roster immediately converted its talent into one of the most dominant seasons in league history. The Warriors finished the 2016-17 regular season with a 67-15 record before going 16-1 in the playoffs.
They defeated Cleveland in five games to win the championship and successfully defended the title the following season.
The Warriors’ strength also extended beyond scoring averages. Curry and Thompson created unprecedented perimeter spacing, Green provided elite defence and playmaking, while Iguodala offered versatility from the bench.
Durant’s argument about Philadelphia’s individual credentials is understandable. His description of Thompson, however, reduced an influential championship player to scoring averages and MVP recognition.
That distinction explains why Turner considered the comment aggressive—and why Thompson and Green were unwilling to let it pass without a response.
