Kevin Durant has declared his Brooklyn Nets teams were better "on paper" than his original Golden State Warriors superteam. The former NBA MVP made the claim on the "Boardroom Talks" podcast, sparking debate about the Warriors' historic 73-9 roster he joined in 2016. This commentary arrives as the Warriors navigate a tough stretch, having lost four of their last five games, including a 115-110 defeat to the LA Clippers on April 13, 2026.
What did Kevin Durant say?
Durant was asked to name his best team based purely on roster construction. He pointed to the Nets. "Just looking at straight roster, nothing else? Yeah, I would say Brooklyn," Durant said. He cited teammates like Kyrie Irving and James Harden, plus veterans Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge, Paul Millsap, and Patty Mills. Durant argued that while Stephen Curry was an MVP, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green were not yet decorated stars when he joined Golden State. "These (Nets) dudes I'm talking about had already completed their careers," he noted.
How does Durant's Warriors tenure compare?
Durant signed with the Warriors in the summer of 2016. Curry was the reigning two-time MVP. Thompson, then 26, was a two-time All-NBA selection. Green, also 26, had one All-Star nod. The core had already won the 2015 NBA title and reached the 2016 Finals. In Durant's first season, Green won Defensive Player of the Year. Together, they won two straight championships. The Nets team Durant referenced from 2020-21 finished 48-24. They lost in a second-round Game 7 to the Milwaukee Bucks, with Harden and Irving injured. That roster had 38 combined All-Star selections, but many players were past their prime.
Why does this matter for Golden State Warriors now?
Durant's comments revisit a dominant era for the franchise. His perspective highlights how individual accolades are weighed against team success. The Warriors' current reality is different. Their recent form shows one win and four losses in their last five outings. That 115-110 loss to the Clippers is part of a four-game skid. Fans tracking the team's performance can review the full schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. This context makes historical comparisons more poignant for a team trying to recapture past glory.
What comes next for the Warriors?
The team must address its on-court results. Ending a losing streak requires focus on defense and shot creation. Coach Steve Kerr will likely emphasize tightening rotations and improving perimeter defense. Player health and managing minutes for veterans will be important. As the season progresses, every game matters for playoff positioning. You can follow the latest team news and injury updates on our [injuries](/injuries) section. Durant's remarks serve as a reminder of the championship standard the Warriors once set, a level they aim to reach again.
