The Golden State Warriors have released a statement addressing Kevin Durant’s decision to leave the franchise and its new state-of-the-art Chase Center for the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Co-Chairman Joe Lacob, who was willing to offer Durant a max contract, stated:
As long as I am Co-Chairman of this team, no player will ever wear #35 for the Warriors again.
Before stating his decision to ultimately retire Durant’s jersey, Lacob thanked the two-time Finals MVP for his vast basketball contributions to the team and his philanthropic contributions to the community of Oakland.
Lacob also added:
Today, as [Durant] starts a new chapter in his incredible career, we thank KD for all of his contributions, for being an integral part of one of the most prolific runs in NBA history and wish him well as he continues his Hall of Fame journey.
Read the full press release:
Considering that Durant made the ultimate sacrifice to try to help the team win a third-straight championship, Lacob’s sentiments are appropriate. But it is unknown yet what the Warriors’ words will mean to Durant as he prepares for at least nine months of rehabilitation on his surgically-repaired Achilles.
