Kevin Durant’s surprise move to the Golden State Warriors immediately raised memories of LeBron James’ departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers in the summer of 2010.
On the surface, the comparison seems fair. Both Kevin Durant and LeBron James being franchise players leaving their homes in search for the elusive ring.
Many national media members such as ESPN’s Chris Broussard have said that you cannot criticize Durant because James set the precedent.
You can't defend LeBron going to Miami in '10 yet rip KD now. Gotta be consistent. Slight differences, but moves are the same in principle.
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 5, 2016
However, the similarities between the two stars’ moves ends at just that: the fact that they moved.
When James left the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010, he left behind a team and a franchise that had struggled to put anything of tangible quality around him for years.
Upon James being drafted in 2003, the Cavaliers immediately shifted to win-now mode, only to whiff on free-agent signings such as Larry Hughes in 2005 and trade future picks for aging players such as Antawn Jamison and Shaquille O’Neal.
Despite winning 61 games in the 2009-10 season, the Cavaliers were woefully reliant on James to pull them through. He did most of the season mind you, averaging a staggering 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game en-route to a second consecutive MVP award.
James continued his dominant play in the 2010 Playoffs, leading the Cavaliers in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. However, after the Cavs fell short in the post-season once again with James having next to no help, it was clear that he had to make a move.
Besides James, the Cavaliers did not possess much young talent, nor did they have the flexibility to add other pieces going forward. Journeyman forward J.J. Hickson, just 20-years old at the time, was the only young piece on the Cavaliers’ roster at the time.
Related Story: Kevin Durant Forms Super Team With Golden State Warriors
The story with Durant is very different.
The team Durant leaves behind in Oklahoma City is one that is filled with talented young players.
Playing alongside Russell Westbrook, Steven Adams, Enes Kanter, Andre Roberson and the recently-acquired Victor Oladipo, Durant would have had title runs for the foreseeable future. No one can fault general manager Sam Presti for not building a team to have sustained long-term success. Presti pitched Durant for nine seasons, showing the superstar first-hand how to build a contender.
However, more than the makeup of the respective rosters. What makes Durant and James’ moves ultimately different is their destination.
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No one can fault Durant for moving to Golden State, from his standpoint it is absolutely the right career move. In joining the Warriors, Durant joins a ready-made championship group. One that has been together for years and has been where he ultimately wants to get to.
While hindsight is beneficial, James’ arrival in Miami was less of a sure thing. Dwyane Wade already had a title under his belt, but pundits wondered whether two ball-dominant superstars could co-exist.
Moreover, James did not have any playoff history with the Miami Heat. Aside from a few regular season shootouts with Wade, the Cavs and the Heat had never really intersected.
The same cannot be said for the Thunder and the Warriors. Durant is joining the team that he went to war against for seven brutal games, just months after the battle ended. It’s a move that goes against any sportsman’s competitiveness, and it is why Durant’s decision has rubbed so many people the wrong way.
Once again, Kevin Durant, like LeBron James in 2010, cannot be faulted for leaving. Like James, Durant also knows that his championship window is finite and the Warriors present the best option to add a title to what is already a glittering resume.
Next: Wade Watch: Kevin Durant's Decision Heightens Cavs Chances At Landing Wade
LeBron James helped build Miami into a monster.
Kevin Durant is joining a monster.
That’s the difference.