Kevin Durant said he “damn sure” wasn’t signing with the Warriors if they’d won the 2016 championship. Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck said he believes Boston was runner-up for Durant.
So…
Well, this certainly supports Grousbeck’s theory – though it’s possible some observers are influenced by Grousbeck’s stated stance.
Consider, though, that Durant entered free agency knowing the Cavaliers beat Golden State in the Finals. Had the Warriors (who were linked to Durant months in advance) won, Durant’s entire free agency – including Boston-favorable elements – could’ve proceeded differently. Durant might have entered the process more content with staying with the Thunder. Perhaps, Golden State’s loss opened his mind to leaving, an outlook that opened the door for the Celtics to finish second.
In other words, maybe no result in the 2015 Finals would’ve led to Durant signing with Boston.
But it’s at least a fun “what if?”