When former Thunder fan favorites will be back in OKC
By Ivan White
Kevin Durant
Durant has been scrutinized by Thunder fans since 2016 for his decision to leave for the Warriors. That decision and the aftermath have made each of Durant’s visits to Oklahoma City memorable.
Durant is now on his third team since leaving the Thunder. After winning two championships with Golden State and a tumultuous stint in Brooklyn, Durant settled in Phoenix and formed another star-heavy group.
With Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, Durant’s Suns will make their way to OKC on March 29. As emotional as these games have been in years past, the Thunder will get to take their shot at one of the 2024 title favorites.
Oklahoma’s opinion of the superstar has changed throughout the past seven seasons. Compared to his first return in 2017, fans are more willing to recognize and even appreciate Durant’s immense contributions to the Thunder and the Oklahoma City community.
With the OKC Thunder, Durant led the team to four trips to the conference finals and their only NBA Finals appearance. In 2014, Durant won his only MVP while averaging a career-high 32 points per game.
Although his tenure in OKC ended on sour terms, there is no denying his part in putting the city and team on the map.