Even though he was brought in to help Kevin Durant join the Celtics, NFL legend Tom Brady convinced Kevin Durant to join the Warriors.
Back in 2016, Durant hit free agency and was confused about which team to join next after spending the first nine years of his career in Seattle and Oklahoma.
Rich Kleiman, Durant’s longtime business manager, recently recalled a meeting he and KD had with Boston in the summer of 2016.
“When the Celtics came, it was the Celtics owner and Danny Ainge, and then guys like Jae Crowder and I think Kelly Olynyk was there,” Kleiman said. All smoke.
“But here comes Tom Brady. So it’s like, ‘Well, damn, they’re really trying to level the playing field.'”
The then-four-time Super Bowl champion’s attendance at the meeting actually almost led to Durant joining the Celtics.
“I’m ready to say, ‘OK. Let’s go. I’m ready to go and see (Brady) there,'” Durant told reporters boston herald 2016. “To see someone so successful at his craft and such a great ambassador for the game of football and the city of Boston, it’s great to be around such great people.”
However, Kleiman explained that Brady gave Durant some personal advice that ultimately led to him choosing the Warriors over the Celtics.
“Tom and (Kevin Durant) went for a walk,” Kleiman said. “Later, Durant said, ‘He told me, the most important thing is, no matter what, look for the best team, the best organization, the best chance to win. I think Brady just told me to go to the Warriors. Team.”
Despite the backlash, Durant actually signed with the Warriors, who had just lost to LeBron’s Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.
The Golden State Warriors appear to be a good choice for Durant, who played a major role in the Warriors’ back-to-back championship games after winning Finals MVP honors in both 2017 and 2018.
He also formed one of the greatest shooting trios in history along with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
So seriously, the Golden State Warriors are thankful for Tom Brady!
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