When trying to lure a prized free agent like Kevin Durant, it stands to reason that all hands within the organization should be on deck.
No expense should be spared to try to land a generational talent like him on the roster. He instantly makes any irrelevant team a contender, and a contender even more fearsome.
The Boston Celtics were being heavily discussed as a viable threat to acquire Durant in free agency. Not only were they a young team with high draft picks coming up and a lot of cap space, but they also had the luxury of playing in a much weaker Eastern Conference landscape.
They eventually signed Al Horford after having players like Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Marcus Smart, and Kelly Olynyk attend the pitch meetings for both Durant and Horford.
One player who was conspicuously absent from Durant’s meeting was Avery Bradley. Not only is Bradley one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, but a fellow University of Texas alumnus who Durant has become close friends with over the years.
Having Bradley present would have theoretically helped the Celtics try to convince Durant to sign with them, but Bradley explained that he felt as if it was superfluous for him to attend, simply because he’s in constant communication with Durant.
“Me and Kevin are like brothers so we talk all the time,” said Bradley. “So I’m going to talk to him about what, you know what I mean? I was more asking him how he’s doing.”
Bradley has no sour feelings about Durant’s decision to sign with the Warriors, and wishes his friend nothing but the best.
“All I can say is that I’m happy for him, and I feel like he’s part of a great organization,” said Bradley. “And I wish the best for him. Kevin’s a really good guy and an even better player.”
Bradley speaks like a true friend, more concerned with Durant’s well being and happiness than anything else. It’s refreshing in an offseason that has seen so much vitriol thrown at Durant for no good reason.