Kevin Durant ended up signing a two-year deal with the Golden State Warriors to build the most super of NBA super teams, but, because of Tom Brady, the former league MVP was extremely close to choosing the Boston Celtics.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne, the presence of Brady alone was enough to grab Durant’s attention.
Kevin Durant on Tom Brady, "I was ready to just say, 'OK. Lets go.' It's great to be in the presence of such… https://t.co/yB4bDtzMqc
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 18, 2016
In another report, Brady allegedly tried to sell KD on the aura of Boston, telling him the special feeling it gives an athlete after winning a championship—with Brady’s an expert in, given he’s won four Super Bowls.
Brady active in the Durant meeting. Said someone privy to meeting: "Tom told him what it's like to play in Boston, how special it is."
— Mark Murphy (@Murf56) July 2, 2016
Unfortunately, not even one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history and a Beantown icon could sway Kevin Durant’s decision, as the baller said, “It’s great to be in the presence of such greatness,” Durant said of meeting Brady. “But at the same time I knew I couldn’t let that distract me.”
In addition to Brady’s pitch, Celtics fans tried their best to sell Durant on the historic franchise during a March game, chanting “Come to Boston” while at the free-throw line.
#Celtics fans are chanting "Come To Boston" when KD shoots free throws. https://t.co/svWVuMGTO8
— History of Sports (@BeforeFamePics) March 17, 2016
With all that’s happened with Brady over the past year or so, there’s no confirmation that his pitch to Durant included how to cheat and get away with it. Oh, jokes.