"Nobody in my family or friends talks to Stephen A. Smith" - Kevin Durant once accused Smith of lying about his free agency destination
"Nobody in my family or friends talks to Stephen A. Smith" - Kevin Durant once accused Smith of lying about his free agency destination originally appeared on Basketball Network.
With an entire 2015-16 season still ahead, speculations about Kevin Durant's free agency destination were in full swing. Playing his 9th season for the Oklahoma City Thunder, the "Slim Reaper" had achieved almost every major accolade in the book, except winning an NBA championship.
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The 2012 Finals were the closest Durant had been to taking OKC to the Promised Land. However, going up against the Big 3 of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, a young Thunder roster stood little chance. As predicted, "The Heatles" prevailed in five games.
Almost four years after his sole Finals appearance, there were murmurs about Durant seeking an exit from Oklahoma. Though the three-time scoring champion never addressed the subject, the media had begun scouting for any leads that gave them the slightest hint.
One such incident was Stephen A. Smith's hint that Los Angeles was a primary destination for KD during his 2016 free agency.
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"Regardless of how senseless it may (sound), in one breath. I'm hearing that if Kevin Durant doesn't stay in Oklahoma City, LA is his primary objective and landing spot as opposed to South Beach or even his home of Washington, D.C.," stated Smith during a First Take episode.
Putting to rest any such narratives, KD clapped back at the veteran media personality, saying the following.
"I don't talk to Stephen A. Smith at all. Nobody in my family, my friends, they don't talk to Stephen A Smith. So he's lying," revealed the 2014 MVP, who was confident about none of his people having anything to do with this news.
Stephen A's definition of new age reporting
Not expecting a response of such nature from KD, Smith decided to break down how reporting was carried out. The First Take analyst highlighted how he didn't need to contact the fifteen-time All-Star but rather monitor the developments on the ground and how they could unfold.
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"At no time did I ever say I spoke to KD or his family, or his brother, friends, teammates, etc. Although I can assure you all I have on several occasions in the past. I said I heard from folks I know in a league I've been covering for 19 years that if he were to leave OKC as a free agent, these are the cities I was told he was considering," wrote SAS.
"OKC, LA, Miami, DC, NY, I stand by it all. And that is that. His assertion that I was lying is not only false but totally uncalled for. Especially from a player who receives nothing but praise not only from me but from practically every media member you can find," tweeted Smith in 2015.
Nonetheless, SAS had nothing but respect for Durant's game. The veteran television analyst even went on to say how the 6'11" forward was a bona fide superstar and the league was incomplete without him.
Related: "I would say they're right here together" - Dominique Wilkins says only Larry Bird can challenge Stephen Curry in the greatest shooter ever conversation
The complex relationship between KD and SAS
Both Durant and Smith have had their fair share of tensions over the years. Nevertheless, there were instances when they appeared to have reconciled. A primarily example being the ESPN analyst appearing on "The Boardroom." But the friction between the two superstars of their respective fields never ceased to exist.
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Things did get a little heated up between the two a couple of months back when the two-time champion called Smith a clown for his constant criticism of NBA players. Not one to shy away from a response, SAS felt Durant's statements were petty and childish.
Given the nature of their work, stress is always possible. Nevertheless, one cannot deny that Smith has always given KD his flowers when it comes to his basketball skills and contributions.
Durant had one thing right at that moment, though. Since he chose to sign with the Golden State Warriors, SAS's report about him wanting to go to L.A. certainly appeared to be wrong.
Related: "Durant should be coming off the bench" - Stephen A. Smith believes Kevin Durant shouldn't have been picked an All-Star Game starter
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
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