Story perspectives

Durant Dismisses Warriors, Thompson Listed for $17.5 M Trade

8/5/2026

Summary

Durant Disses Warriors

Kevin Durant (NBA forward) posted on Instagram on August 4 2026 that the Philadelphia 76ers “ain’t close” to the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors.
He cited MVP Joel Embiid, Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, All-Star Tyrese Maxey, called Klay Thompson “never a MVP candidate” despite 22 ppg, and noted the Sixers have four 25-point scorers versus the Warriors’ three 20-point scorers.
Klay Thompson replied on story tagging Durant while Draymond Green mocked Durant’s past use of anonymous accounts on Threads.

Summary

Thompson Trade-Listed

The Dallas Mavericks have placed Klay Thompson on the trade market with a $17.5 million salary for 2026-27.
A buyout would allow Thompson to choose his next team after the Mavericks release him.
He said he is open to returning to Los Angeles, where he grew up and still owns a home.
The Athletic reported the Miami Heat as another possible destination alongside the Lakers.

History

Historical Context

On July 8 2010 LeBron James used ESPN’s “The Decision” to announce his move from Cleveland to Miami, joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in the NBA’s first player-crafted superteam. The broadcast drew about 13 million viewers and sparked backlash that fueled player empowerment. That shift appears in Kevin Durant’s 2026 Instagram jab and the Mavericks’ $17.5 million trade listing for Klay Thompson, showing media statements now drive NBA strategy.

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Durant Disses Warriors

Kevin Durant (NBA forward) posted on Instagram on August 4 2026 that the Philadelphia 76ers “ain’t close” to the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors.
He cited MVP Joel Embiid, Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, All-Star Tyrese Maxey, called Klay Thompson “never a MVP candidate” despite 22 ppg, and noted the Sixers have four 25-point scorers versus the Warriors’ three 20-point scorers.
Klay Thompson replied on story tagging Durant while Draymond Green mocked Durant’s past use of anonymous accounts on Threads.

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