This weekend, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant and Minnesota Timberwolves wing Anthony Edwards made an appearance at Fanatics Fest, bringing joy to kids who came to see their hoops heroes. However, the highlight of the event may have been the questions that they were asked about each other. Teaming up together for the Paris Olympics, the two have since become as thick as thieves.
“Man, I call him the ‘Baby Goat,’” Durant says of his experience with Edwards this offseason. “You know what I mean?”
The Summer of KD & Ant continues at #FanaticsFest! pic.twitter.com/XvAaXknhim
— NBA (@NBA) August 17, 2024
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“It’s been dope,” Edwards adds. “I had a great experience, especially being alongside him. I was on his hip the entire trip.”
Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards Open Up About Teaming Up
Durant and Edward’s developing a friendship has been one of the better parts of the offseason.
A look back at @KDTrey5 and @theantedwards_ summer to remember!
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— NBA (@NBA) August 18, 2024
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On the one hand, they’re simply two of the most electrifying players in the league.
Edwards constantly backs up his confidence with elite play, even displaying MVP-caliber potential last season. Indeed, Edwards has usurped fellow former No. 1 pick Karl-Anthony Towns as the franchise leader.
Durant hardly needs an introduction. A first ballot Hall of Famer, the DMV native is largely considered to be the greatest scorer of all-time.
On the other hand, Edwards’s youthful energy and acknowledgment of Durant being his favorite players seems to have brought out a more vibrant side of the 35-year-old.
While he’s undoubtedly a legendary hooper, Durant has become jaded in recent years, particularly with respect to the fans and media. Peppered with criticism about his decision to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors in 2016, he’s arguably nowhere near as well-liked as he might have been otherwise.
His reaction to those snide remarks are understandable; he’s human. There are few people who truly want to be disliked. Nonetheless, he’s now leaning into a villain role that he didn’t enter the league trying to have.
All jokes aside, it would be great if Durant completely enjoyed his NBA experience. He’ll hardly be able to forget people piling on him for nearly a decade. However, as he enters the twilight of his career, he should be able to leave the game peacefully.
Will They Play Together In NBA?
Edwards and Durant’s growing relationship has led to an intriguing hypothetical.
Durant is only entering his second season with the Suns. Yet, his contract is set to expire in 2026, which may give Phoenix a small championship window. Should the Suns flop in 2024-25, he and the team could work together to find him a new home next summer. Nonetheless, whether leaving via trade or free agency, the Timberwolves now appear to be an appealing destination.
For one, Durant wanted to play for Phoenix and his prior team (the Brooklyn Nets) because of his friendships with and respect for their star players. Secondly, Minnesota is no longer considered to be a bottom-rung franchise. The team was long in ill repute because of an extensive playoff drought. However, Ant Man came in to save the day, leading the Wolves to a top-three finish in the West last season. If Durant comes aboard, Minnesota may leap to the very top of the conference standings.
More importantly, a team with Edwards and Durant will be tough to beat in a seven-game series.
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