Kevin Durant returned to the Bay Area for the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, where he reflected on his relationship with Golden State Warriors fans. The two-time champion dismissed any notion of tension, emphasizing the appreciation he has always felt from the fanbase.
Speaking to Tomer Azarly, Durant made it clear that he never doubted the support he received. “I always felt the love from the fans in the Bay Area,” he said. “Never thought for a second that I ain’t get no love out here.”
Durant spent three seasons with the Warriors from 2016 to 2019, winning back-to-back NBA titles and Finals MVPs in 2017 and 2018. Despite his success, his departure to the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 sparked debates about his legacy in Golden State.
Over the years, some questioned whether Warriors fans truly embraced him, especially given the attachment to the homegrown core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. However, Durant dismissed the idea that he was ever unappreciated by the Bay Area faithful.
“I heard people saying that I might not feel that love and I didn’t know it was this much love, but everywhere I go all around the world, countries have Warriors fans,” he said. “And they always showed me love.”
The 15-time All-Star also spoke fondly of his time at Oracle Arena, where he played during the Warriors’ championship seasons before the team moved to Chase Center in 2019. “Of course I heard [the cheers],” Durant added. “Especially Oracle, that’s my home. We had a lot of great memories in the Bay Area so we have a tight relationship, the fans and myself.”
Now with the Phoenix Suns, Durant continues to receive a mix of reactions when he faces his former team. While some Warriors fans still hold onto his controversial departure, the overwhelming reception in San Francisco suggests his contributions are not forgotten.
