Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns are currently trying to take out the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs.
That means that Durant is facing off against his old teammate and friend, Russell Westbrook.
But are Durant and Westbrook really friends?
When asked by The Ringer (via NBACentral) about their breakup years ago after their time together with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Durant opened up.
He seems to think that he and Westbrook are still good despite the rocky patch after he left OKC.
Durant said:
“I don’t think we ever had a problem or beef, because beef is deep, man. I didn’t get the sense that he was hurt. I just thought that he had an opportunity to get a max deal, super max deal, get an MVP, have his own team. And I thought that he handled that pretty well. And he looked happy doing it.”
Kevin Durant doesn’t think Russell Westbrook ever had beef with him
“Even the cupcake stuff?..Yeah, even that. I didn’t think that was directed at me. And I’m going to stand on that. I don’t think we ever had a problem or beef, because beef is deep, man. I didn’t get the sense… pic.twitter.com/KMOtIfzoAi
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 25, 2023
There were many fans on the internet who agreed with what Durant said and felt that this was a good reminder that the game of basketball is just that: a game.
Friendship and brotherhood run much deeper.
People need to realize there is more to life than basketball sometimes
— Bucketsquad (@BucketSQD) April 25, 2023
💙🤍🧡 pic.twitter.com/wyT2yKVVwB
— Isa⚡️ (@IsaelZZY) April 25, 2023
But some weren’t buying it.
They felt that something really did go down between these two superstars all those years ago.
They DEFINITELY had something going on if it wasn’t beef (by his definition). At the very least it’s, “if you’re not with us, you’re against us” mentality. I’m glad they got their “not beef” squashed, though.
— Dante 🏈🏀📝 (@Paydirt_Profile) April 25, 2023
And some people used Durant’s words as an opportunity to harp on him and refer to him again as a “cupcake.”
Dude is still a cupcake for demanding to go to the Suns pic.twitter.com/bD9O8enhnR
— Buc_Bennessy 🇱🇦 (@RealBenjaminz) April 25, 2023
Back when Durant left the Thunder, Westbrook seemed quite upset.
He seemingly mocked Durant and questioned his toughness and his request to go play with the Golden State Warriors.
But a lot of time has passed since then so maybe Durant is right and everything has been squashed.
Any time Durant speaks about this period in his career, it brings out a bunch of fans and a bunch of critics too.
The two-time champion is used to it at this point.
NEXT:
Kevin Durant And Devin Booker Matched A Legendary Duo
