Kevin Durant derides NBA All-Star criticism: 'It's more fun to complain about the NBA than to actually watch it'
The 15-time All-Star and active online poster took the time to weigh in on the NBA's greatest controversy: what to do about the All-Star weekend. The NBA has tried for years to breath life back into the best-of competition, but Sunday's edition received a lot of criticism for the format and a broadcast overrun with Kevin Hart bits.
Durant, potentially sick of the discourse, took to X on Monday to jokingly (we think) propose an extreme reaction: cancel the event entirely. (Unfortunately, sarcasm does not travel well on the Internet.)
"I think it's more fun to complain about the NBA than to actually watch it," Durant wrote. "Crazy, cancel all star weekend and let's just give everybody a break since we're so miserable around this time..."
I think it's more fun to complain about the nba than to actually watch it. Crazy, cancel all star weekend and let's just give everybody a break since we're so miserable around this time…
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 17, 2025
Durant participated in Sunday's game as part of Team Shaq's OG All-Stars, which cruised to victory in the finals after nearly falling to Team Candace's Rising Stars in the semifinals.
The weekend had its moments: Mac McClung's perfect run to a dunk contest three-peat was so good that it inspired some actual All-Stars to (maybe) join the competition next year. But there's been general consensus about a pretty lame All-Star weekend that left a couple of winners and a lot of losers.
As he often does, Durant doubled down on his take, going on a commenting spree in response to X users who disagreed.
Winning a chip is the only thing that matters along side trades and free agency. Now mfers care about all star weekend lol ok
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 17, 2025
All star games used to be a layup line back n the day until late in the game then the intensity would ramp up. The 3 point shot and how many we take, by time u ready to ramp up somebody down 40 already. They didn't have to worry bout that as much back n the day. They can shoot…
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 17, 2025
Only thing matters is rings and legacy.
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 17, 2025
At one point, Durant clarified that his criticism was more about the fact that NBA fans love to complain.
"My point is, fans complain about EVERYTHING. Like nothing is good enough for the fans right now. Only thing they enjoy is playoffs, trade deadline, free agency and when players beef with each other lol," Durant said.
I get it. My point is, fans complain about EVERYTHING. Like nothing is good enough for the fans right now. Only thing they enjoy is playoffs, trade deadline, free agency and when players beef with each other lol
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 17, 2025
In response to one fan who said that the discourse was a form of "constructive criticism," Durant had a cheeky reply: "And I am constructively criticizing your criticism."
And I am constructively criticizing your criticisms… https://t.co/gvcV0EC8I9
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 17, 2025
Never change, KD.
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Chicago Tribune
19 minutes ago
- Chicago Tribune
MLB trade deadline: Houston Astros reunite with Carlos Correa, while San Diego Padres swing several deals
Major League Baseball's trade deadline brought plenty of chaos Thursday, with dozens of deals capping a frenetic 24 hours as teams sought to improve their rosters ahead of the postseason. Among the highlights: All-Star shortstop Carlos Correa is reuniting with the Houston Astros, the San Diego Padres went on a trading spree that brought in hard-throwing closer Mason Miller and the New York Yankees grabbed two-time All-Star reliever David Bednar. In other moves, outfielder Cedric Mullins was dealt to the New York Mets and former Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber is joining the Toronto Blue Jays. The recent swaps are on top of several deals over the past few days — including the Seattle Mariners landing slugger Eugenio Suarez — and the final hours saw a whirlwind of activity as teams made trades right up until the 5 p.m. CDT deadline. Trades were still rolling in as the deadline passed, but here are some highlights from Thursday. Correa is returning to Houston in a deal with the Minnesota Twins, giving the franchise a boost as it tries to stay atop the AL West. Correa spent his first seven years in Houston, where he became one of the most beloved players in franchise history. He helped the team to six playoff appearances, three American League pennants and its first World Series title in 2017 — a championship tainted by a sign-stealing scandal. The Twins also are sending $33 million to offset the $103.4 million left on Correa's contract, which runs through 2028. The Twins will receive minor-league pitcher Matt Mikulski in return. Correa has played exclusively shortstop in his 11-year MLB career but almost certainly will move to third base with shortstop Jeremy Peña close to returning from the injured list. The Astros need help at the hot corner with All-Star Isaac Paredes out indefinitely with a hamstring injury. The 30-year-old Correa has had a down season by his standards, batting .267 with seven homers and 31 RBIs. The 26-year-old Miller is one of the game's top relievers and has a fastball that averages more than 101 mph. The 2024 All-Star has 20 saves in 23 opportunities, a 3.76 ERA and 59 strikeouts this season. He's under team control through 2029. The Padres also added JP Sears, a lefty who has a 7-9 record and 4.95 ERA this season, striking out 95 batters in 22 starts. They sent the Athletics a package of prospects, including highly regarded shortstop Leo De Vries and right-handed pitchers Henry Baez, Braden Nett and Eduarniel Nunez. The active Padres also acquired catcher Freddy Fermin from the Kansas City Royals. Mullins give the Mets an upgrade in center field, where Tyrone Taylor was playing terrific defense but providing little offense. The 30-year-old Mullins — who was an All-Star in 2021 — was batting .229 with 15 homers, 49 RBIs and 14 stolen bases for the Baltimore Orioles. Versatile veteran Jeff McNeil also has been getting starts in center because of his bat, but he has much more experience at second base and the corner outfield spots. The last-place Orioles received right-handers Raimon Gómez, Anthony Nunez and Chandler Marsh. Looking to fortify their bullpen for the stretch run, the Yankees agreed to acquire Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies. They also acquired utilityman José Caballero from the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees were set to send catcher/first base prospect Rafael Flores, catcher Edgleen Perez and outfielder Brian Sanchez to the Pirates in exchange for Bednar, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. The Yankees sent infielder Roc Riggio and lefty Ben Shields to the Rockies for Bird and outfielder Everson Pereira to the Rays. The 30-year-old Bednar struggled early in the season and spent some time in the minors but has been dominant since his return. He joins a bullpen that already has Luke Weaver and Devin Williams. Bird has a 4.73 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 53 1/3 innings. They were the fourth, fifth and sixth trades the Yankees made since Friday. They obtained third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Rockies on Friday, reserve infielder Amed Rosario from the Washington Nationals on Saturday and reserve outfielder Austin Slater from the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. Bieber is headed to the AL East-leading Blue Jays in a deal with the rebuilding Cleveland Guardians. Bieber, who is working his way back from April 2024 Tommy John surgery, has made five rehab starts. His most recent outing was Tuesday for Double-A Akron, in which he allowed one run on three hits and struck out seven in four innings. His next rehab start was scheduled for Sunday. The Guardians are getting right-hander Khal Stephen from the Blue Jays. Toronto also got righty reliever Louis Varland and first baseman Ty France from the Twins for rookie outfielder Alan Roden and minor-league starter Kendry Rojas. Bieber had spent his entire career in Cleveland, including winning the AL Cy Young Award in 2020. He has a career record of 62-32 with a 3.22 ERA and 958 strikeouts in 136 games (134 starts) since his debut in 2018. He agreed to a one-year, $14 million contract last fall with a $16 million player option for 2026. The Philadelphia Phillies got outfielder Harrison Bader in exchange for two minor-leaguers. It was the team's second deal with the Twins in two days after landing closer Jhoan Duran. The 31-year-old Bader, a 2021 Gold Glove winner, remains a strong defender at all three outfield spots and has 12 home runs, 38 RBIs and a .778 OPS in 96 games. He also has postseason experience, playing in five playoff series with the St. Louis Cardinals, Yankees and Mets with a .809 OPS and five career homers. The Phillies are sending minor-league outfielder Hendry Mendez and right-hander Geremy Villoria to the Twins for Bader. The AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers acquired Kyle Finnegan from the Nationals for two prospects, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade wasn't announced. The 33-year-old Finnegan was an All-Star in 2024 but his velocity has been down this season. He has 20 saves with a 4.38 ERA in 2025. The Nats received minor-league pitchers Josh Randall and R.J. Sales, Detroit's third- and 10th-round draft picks from 2024. The Tigers also added right-hander Paul Sewald in a deal with the Guardians and minor-league righty Codi Heuer in a trade with the Texas Rangers. The 35-year-old Sewald is eligible to return from the injured list on Sunday after being shut down with a strained right shoulder. He is 1-1 with a 4.70 ERA in 18 games this season, averaging more than one strikeout each inning.


USA Today
19 minutes ago
- USA Today
Minnesota Twins trade deadline fire sale: What to know about team owners
MLB teams shedding salary − whether it be midseason at the trade deadline or choosing not to extend certain players − shouldn't be new for MLB fans. But as Minnesota Twins fans watched a team just 5.5 games back of a wild-card berth get stripped for parts, it wouldn't be unreasonable to simply ask: "why?" The answer, as it so often does, seemingly comes down to an ownership that simply doesn't care about the on-field product. The Twins, who have been in the Pohlad family since 1984, are now up for sale. And that means, by the 6 p.m. ET trade deadline on July 31, the team's goal was to have as little money on the books as possible. The result? Jhoan Duran and Harrison Bader to the Phillies in two different deals, Carlos Correa back to the Astros in a stunner, Willi Castro off to the Cubs under the wire, Griffin Jax to the Rays, and a clubhouse left in a very different condition from where it was even 36 hours ago. MLB trade deadline grades: Live tracker, analysis of every deal on deadline day The vibes around the Twins leading up to the deadline were, to say the least, weird. There was a fake-out hug with Duran when MLB fans were on "hug watch," Castro was pulled out late in July 30's game, and Jax was thrown out by manager Rocco Baldelli before being replaced by position player Kody Clemens on the mound. As all of this went down, the Pohlads are continuing down the road of selling the Twins. The process has been grueling, with a reported lack of attractive bids and a balk from Justin Ishbia when the White Sox's Jerry Reinsdorf reportedly offered a greater stake ... but MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said wheels are in motion. 'I know some things that you don't know,' Manfred said over the All-Star Weekend in Atlanta. 'I can tell you with a lot of confidence that there will be a transaction there, and it will be consistent with the kind of pricing that has taken place. There will be a transaction. We just need to be patient while they rework.' MLB team sales are uncommon, but the "kind of pricing that has taken place" has been in the range of $1.7 billion. The Orioles sold to David Rubenstein's group at a valuation of $1.725 billion and the Rays sold to Patrick Zalupski's group for $1.7 billion. Before this recent crop, the Mets were an outlier at $2.42 billion in 2020, while valuations were much lower leading into Steve Cohen's massive buy in New York. Who is the Pohlad family? The Minnesota Twins are owned by the Pohlad family, which is in its third generation of ownership. Carl Pohlad bought the team from Calvin Griffith in 1984, with Jim Pohlad now serving as the team's principal owner. Twin Cities Businesses named the Pohlads the People of the Year in 2022 for their commitment to the city. In addition to Jim there are his brothers Bill and Bob. Joe Pohlad, Bob's son, was named executive chair for the Twins in 2022. There has been a great deal of consternation around the Pohlads' management of the Twins. Minnesota was targeted for contraction in 2001, and the Minneapolis Star Tribune wrote: "People with knowledge of (Carl) Pohlad say he believes efforts to gain a new stadium are doomed, he's fearful of paying an ever-rising payroll simply to keep his current team together, and he's not sure he wants the team to be a future burden to his family." Ultimately, a court stopped the contraction thanks in part to the lease with the Metrodome despite a 28-2 vote from MLB owners to contract the Twins alongside the Montreal Expos. Pohlad also tried to sell the Twins to a North Carolina investor who would have moved the team in 1997, ahead of the near-contraction. 'I've done everything I can to keep baseball here,' Pohlad said at the time, per the Minnesota Star Tribune. 'Nobody seems to care whether the Twins stay or not.' The family demanded public funding for Target Field, opened in 2010, which was built for $545 million, $360 million of which came from public funding. The Pohlads supplied the other $185 million. After an ALDS berth in 2023, Joe Pohlad continued the family tradition, saying the Twins were "right-sizing," ... which amounts to cutting payroll. When the wheels fell off what looked like a playoff push in 2024, president of baseball operations Derek Falvey downplayed spending's effects on the roster. 'The harder part for me as I sit here today is that this stretch of baseball and us not being where we need to be was not about payroll,' Falvey said, per 'It just wasn't. There's no other way to put it. This was about the team that we had, on the field, that was 15, 17 games over .500 and capable of playing baseball the way we needed to down the stretch and didn't play it.' Joe Pohlad also took some accountability for the team's failures. 'Everybody owns this a little bit, and I played a role in that,' he said. 'It's been well-documented, this payroll decision, and as I kind of reflect on my role in all of this, we were at an all-time high last year, right? Fans were all-in. Players were all-in. We were headed down a great direction and I had to make a very difficult business decision. 'But that's just the reality of my world. I have a business to run, and it comes with tough decisions, and that's what I had to do. I wouldn't make any other decision, because that's the position that we were in. That's our reality.' Minnesota Twins trade deadline moves The Twins were active at the deadline, prioritizing attaining controllable assets for some of their top players. Minnesota Twins' debt One of the reasons the Twins may be offloading so much salary is the reported debt around the team. Per The Athletic, the club was carrying about $425 million in debt in March, on the high end among MLB clubs. Bally Sports North going belly-up undoubtedly didn't help matters. A significant portion of that debt reportedly was accrued after 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Twins' 2026 payroll Most of the Twins' roster will be in arbitration for the 2026 season, meaning with the departure of Correa just two players will be under contract heading into 2026: Pitcher Pablo Lopez and outfielder Byron Buxton. Lopez's salary will be $21.75 million, whereas Buxton sits at $15.143 million. Even so, the Twins are currently projected at 18th in MLB per Spotrac at $81,726,190.


NBC Sports
21 minutes ago
- NBC Sports
Mets find a center fielder in trade with Orioles for Cedric Mullins
NEW YORK — Turning their attention to offense, the New York Mets acquired center fielder Cedric Mullins from the Baltimore Orioles for three minor league pitchers before the Major League Baseball trade deadline Thursday. The last-place Orioles received right-handers Raimon Gómez, Anthony Nunez and Chandler Marsh. The speedy Mullins gives the Mets an all-around upgrade in center, where Tyrone Taylor was playing terrific defense but providing little offense. Versatile veteran Jeff McNeil has also been getting starts in center because of his bat, but he has much more experience at second base and the corner outfield spots. The 30-year-old Mullins, an All-Star in 2021, can become a free agent this fall. He's batting .229 with 15 homers, 49 RBIs, 14 stolen bases and a .738 OPS in 91 games this season — but his numbers have picked up dramatically of late. A patient left-handed hitter, he batted .290 with three homers, seven doubles and an .868 OPS in July. It was the second trade in seven days between the Orioles and Mets, who obtained left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from Baltimore for a pair of minor league pitchers last Friday. New York went all-in on a bullpen makeover Wednesday, landing All-Star reliever Ryan Helsley from St. Louis and right-hander Tyler Rogers from San Francisco in separate deals that cost the Mets six players. Helsley and Rogers also are eligible for free agency after this season. To clear roster space for newcomers, the Mets transferred designated hitter Jesse Winker to the 60-day injured list and optioned reliever Chris Devenski to Triple-A Syracuse. New York, which leads the NL East by a half-game over rival Philadelphia, moved to improve its everyday lineup Thursday with the deal for Mullins, in his eighth major league season — all with the Orioles. His 30-30 campaign in 2021 was a bright spot during a terrible season in Baltimore, and he remained a factor as the Orioles became a playoff team in 2023 and 2024. Now, with the Orioles struggling, he was one of several players they dealt leading up to the deadline. Most of the minor leaguers the Orioles acquired over the past few days are pitchers. Baltimore hasn't developed arms as successfully as position players recently. The hard-throwing Gómez, 23, is 5-5 with a 4.63 ERA and two saves in 24 relief appearances and three starts at High-A Brooklyn and Class-A St. Lucie this season. He threw a 104.5 mph pitch on April 26, the fastest in any ballpark equipped with Statcast technology this year, and he's topped 103.4 mph eight times. He was rated the No. 30 prospect in the Mets' system by Nunez, 24, is 2-1 with a 1.58 ERA and five saves in 32 outings between Double-A Binghamton and High-A Brooklyn. He has 60 strikeouts and 17 walks in 40 innings. He was rated the No. 14 prospect in the Mets' system by Marsh, 22, is 4-1 with a 2.57 ERA and three saves in 33 appearances at High-A Brooklyn and Class A St. Lucie combined.