Kevin Durant Unfiltered Interview: Injury, Owning A Team,

NBA powerhouse Kevin Durant sits down with his longtime partner Rich Kleiman for a candid discussion in this exclusive Boardroom Cover Story. From the Texas Longhorns to the Phoenix Suns, Rich and KD discuss the trajectory of their careers + friendship. The two delve into their origins at a Jay-Z concert catalyzed by Grammy-nominated rapper Wale, and remark on Durant's aspirations of being part of a future Seattle Supersonics ownership team. They discuss the highs and lows of KD’s career. Reflecting on his journey from the Oklahoma City Thunder to his career-altering Achilles injury with the Golden State Warriors. Durant opens up about LeBron James' longevity, his place in the NBA GOAT conversation, and his evolving perspective on teams like the New York Knicks. Lastly, the two discuss the upcoming Olympics in Paris, which players he's looking forward to playing 1v1 against, and why he thinks players like Cooper Flagg and Anthony Edwards have big futures in the league. Tune in for an unfiltered glimpse into the mind of one of basketball's greatest.
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00:00 - Intro
00:26 - Kevin Durant reflecting on meeting Rich Kleiman and Boardroom's beginnings
03:24 - Kevin Durant realizing his fame and impact during the early stages of his career
04:40 - Kevin Durant reflecting on his impact with the Oklahoma City Thunder
11:49 - Seattle's importance as an NBA market + what he can offer a franchise
15:16 - How being in the NBA affects those around KD
17:13 - Rich & KD on how their relationship has blossomed organically
19:12 - Kevin Durant on what he sees for himself post-playing career
21:07 - Kevin Durant on how his game has evolved over the years
22:25 - Kevin Durant on what drives him after all of the accolades, Pt. 1
23:40 - Kevin Durant challenges the GOAT Conversation
25:37 - The importance of storytelling around the NBA
29:21 - The effect of KD's injuries on his career
38:46 - Kevin Durant on what drives him after all of the accolades, Pt. 2
42:47 - Kevin Durant on being overlooked as a leader
44:53 - How KD's persona in the NBA shifted over time
48:57 - Kevin Durant responds to Stephen A. Smith's commentary
50:21 - Kevin Durant analyzes the future stars of the NBA
53:26 - Kevin Durant on his respect for the greatness and longevity of LeBron James
58:34 - Kevin Durant on almost joining the New York Knicks
01:02:21 - Work ethic vs Natural athletic gifts
01:03:48 - Looking forward to the Olympic Games in 2024
01:08:25 - Conclusion

[@A1since]

IDGAF what nobody says KD is the definition of a true hooper HE LOVES THE GAME OF BASKETBALL with a passion. A true all time great man

[@dmvweezy5235]

He just doesn’t love defense

[@RocksDXebec223]

@@dmvweezy5235if the season ended today he’d make an all defensive team just say you don’t watch the guy play ever 😂

[@poohdini1536]

I don’t care what nobody says, he is one of the greatest

[@Skip_Bayless]

of course he is man that's Kevin Durant... you know who he is.. he's Kevin Durant

[@markswoooooo209]

It’s doesn’t got to be said.. he’s doing it

[@leomar712]

I have never heard anybody say that KD is NOT great. He is definitely one of the GOATS of the game.

[@reecewilliams8349]

KD is perhaps the best player ever. I'd still take Kobe 1 though.

[@AyyAreTee123]

Yea even if we don't like his energy on teams leading them he just wants to ball and always does just that tbh❗️💯💯💯

[@evenebrown7353]

Thank you kd for getting all this out. People dont know what others are going through and just criticize people for their amusement

[@SauceGiver.]

Real ball knowers can agree that KD won’t ever be forgotten. Truly one of the greatest to ever pick up a basketball

[@Heber_]

KD is a legend and one of the kindest most genuine people you'll ever meet.

[@kutmasterkurt22]

Watched a lot of him being interviewed (long form) and completely agree, seems mad down to earth and cool

[@jamiebrown1491]

Ya think??!!!

[@Heber_]

I dont think. I know from experience. I've met him several times. He's a great person.

[@logman6103]

my goat forever. being a kid watching you in okc with Russ and James 2011 against the mavs. Next season I was an OKC fan.. love you Kevin you’ve changed the game for many kids like me

[@BladyCarrasco17]

Same bro, crazy how impactful a person can be.

[@travisthornton1792]

KD is the standard for authenticity

[@dacocarde3237]

Dude KD. You are such an example of work ethic. Love you man.

[@missk7126]

I truly admire KD as an Athlete and a person. His level of self-awareness is so impressive. He's a true Alchemist!

[@swqueen03]

Kevin DOES NOT have to prove anything to anyone…HIS GOD GIVEN GIFT. HIS LIFE. HIS DECISIONS. He OWES “the people” nothing.

[@gn1495]

Kd is smart and lowkey dude and I like it

[@iceek1778]

He just want to smoke weed bag baddies and hoop

[@ChrislinFrank]

The evolution to Kevin Durant. What a joy it is to watch. My absolute favorite basketball player! I appreciate you KD. The journey. Thank you for what you bring to this game I love so much❤👏🏾💪🏾🫶🏾❤

[@n_Uggs]

This man retires and I’m not sure I’m gona Stan anyone again. My GOAT🐐 🤦🏾

[@Jp2timezz]

Facts bro shi gone hurt when dude retire🤦🏾😂

[@tonyzhang8970]

KD is one of the best in history. There is no doubt about this. No matter what others say, it cannot change this fact.

[@romariosmith7346]

Growing up in Jamaica, our sport is Football (soccer), cricket and track & field. You made me fell in love with the game man keep being you! My goat 🐐

[@loud3195]

KD true personality and humbleness showed in this interview! Goat 🐐

[@Ayebeano]

“IM KEVIN DURANT…YK WHO I AM”🐐

[@candaceelbrader8035]

Yes 💯

[@galileesamson8694]

I watched this and got teary. I appreciate you KD. Love

[@pershonperkins1992]

Kevin Durant is so chill and just talk so real when he talking feel like he my brother because how he act

[@neymarjrjr9080]

kd vision & thought is light years ahead of the haters

[@user-kr7lf4fj7k]

As a fan, it's the interview I always wanted! Thanks for sharing your world Kd... it's a choice at the end of the day and I love ya for it #KdGangDay1

[@whoisskywalker]

Great Interview as always KD my GOAT 🐐

[@KyleMillis]

KD rarely does stuff like this, awesome to finally get to hear his thoughts on life!

[@maliekmiles4627]

I never hated kd.. but this interview made me understand and like him a lot more !

[@Nina-nk8zs]

Thank you for being you. Kevin Durant you are my GOAT. ❤❤️❤️

[@EmrahJssb]

My GOAT❤️🐐

[@erinanderson1259]

Thank you, thank you, what an example of love and appreciation for each other! Kevin, thank you for reminding us that “It’s” all about collecting experiences. And for allowing us to watch you move through life learning with all of us why we are here. Peace.

[@Anaghish]

We're here 🐐

[@mvpodcast3513]

What a mind. He doesn’t get enough credit for his genius. He’s switched on for sure

[@debranewton669]

My dude kd, love ya!! One of the greatest to play the game! Will miss u kd when u retire from the game.

[@dejayyjones5277]

I tore my Achilles 12/12/23 im going thru all that KD stated. Shi is the worst injury ever n it test u as a human mentally & physically. I had just began my career to wouldn’t wish that injury on no one. I stress a lot about his rehab with finding out the time frame for my return to fully duty. Really hoping i can make it to Fridays game here in Houston to see KD live finally. I’m a very big fan and supporter of Kevin.

[@DorianGroup82]

Just sent up a prayer for your recovery. God bless you.

[@dejayyjones5277]

@@DorianGroup82 i really appreciate that 💯

[@sharonbrent6919]

AWESOME INTERVIEW KD💯♥️♥️♥️♥️🔥🔥🔥🔥 Kevin Durant

[@PanagiotisAraujo11]

A misunderstood legend!He's definitely there,along with the other greats of the game.

[@Kinggunna87]

I hope PHX wins it all this Year !

[@R-Imperial23]

Not a chance

[@shorty5543]

if the big 3 are healthy they have a great chance@@R-Imperial23

[@JohnnyScumbagg]

KD I’m born 88 as well. Anytime I see people calling u old it hurts bro. We middle aged now 😔

[@Blasian_guy]

Ur tweaking middle age is 50s lmao feeling old at 35 is wild to me

[@blkrekluse]

Middle-age starts at 45 bro. Take yer time.

[@footynhoops]

Couldn’t agree more about your take on the GOAT convo. The amount of time people waste getting into heated discussions baffles me. We need to learn to appreciate greatness nothing more nothing less, stop critiquing and comparing just enjoy it.

[@nicolaharrison8842]

I don't care what people say about you you are the best God bless you kd❤❤🎉

[@NickelNine]

KD is a legend and an NBA great and one of the greatest players of all time. none of you internet nerds are gonna change that

[@TheJayMart]

Man... I enjoyed this a lot... KD off the court is an amazing dude! Rich did a great job at just speaking and letting speak as well. Great questions

[@sarailustre8131]

My 🐐🔥❤️. KD is well spoken, intelligent and very passionate about basketball. People will discredit what he did to the teams he played with but he gave 100% every time his on the court. Just keep what you’re doing KD 🐐🐐. I got teary eyes. Love KD ❤

[@wh00.liaa_]

Nobody ever talks about his energies but he’s MY GOAT

[@FS-jh4ky]

my favourite player of all time... vilain or not like him or not he got goat level production, numbers, skillset and now longevity while having the worst injury for an athlete. And you can see all those young superstars like wemby, ant, booker, shai talking about KD being their inspiration and the respect he got from his olders peers too like bron steph giannis . To me that is LEGACY and GREATNESS

[@patgoon8596]

Def need more of these.. bro so knowledgeable n articulate!

[@richmakinhits8924]

My goat. He’s one of those players who won’t be FULLY appreciated until he leaves the game sadly.💯💯

[@jamiebrown1491]

Very SADLY ❤

[@AlanAj24]

After Kobe my favorite player ever, I fell in love with Kevin Durant.

[@mikyleparks6309]

My guy is embracing life. Love the grind and appreciate ya journey.

[@kerian8122]

Greatest ever ❤️ KD #35

[@6ixantt]

Say what you want, all accolades aside Kevin Durant is one of the best basketball players to ever touch the ball.

[@nickdamas2164]

KD is basketball treasure. A true ambassador of the game..... And he has the smoothest and most enjoyable game to watch that ive aeen in my 45 yeara of watching basketball.

[@cameroncooper7176]

I appreciated this interview and the insight yall gave us!

[@eugenechung5974]

solid interview! thanks for this

[@jameskelly5216]

Love this interview. Excellent insights into a world that most folk like myself could never comprehend. I'm a Suns fan so I'll appreciate KD either way as a player, but now I can appreciated him as someone who's not only great at basketball, but also a great guy. Keep up the grind KD.

[@coopercollins5076]

i loved when kd said the goat conversation is completely subjective. how much do you value a chip? how much do you value a FMVP? how much do you value an MVP? DPOY? All-stars? etc. anyone who truley understands the game of basketball doesn’t need to look at any accolades to tell you that man is one of the greatest players to ever touch the ball. in my opinion if we’re just talking about how much a single player impacts winning he’s the third best player to every touch the ball but unfortunately people don’t wanna look it at objectively.

[@Sol_oz]

He is one of the greatest. He can score 30+ points easily in every game. But he wants to leave his style, his efficiency to this game. He won’t take that many shots in a game. If he did he will putting up insane scoring numbers every game.

[@pee_boogie7934]

Loved this!! ❤❤

[@mohamedsumah6370]

Kevin Durant my favorite basketball player since he entered the league. a PG county Legend. thank you for being you Easy Money Sniper♥

[@GrantMatthews]

Amazing interview, best relaxed open KD represented. insightful

[@Daefn710]

You definitely have melo status in the city, we don’t let basketball convos go without mentioning kevin!!! Said once and I’ll say it again we appreciate snipe, keep going💪🏾

[@avatomlinson9124]

He always speaks the truth. That's why his interviews are always so interesting and dope. He is a real student of the game he makes you want to listen.

[@Jordan-fh5wt]

how could you hate this man?

[@elijahhardaway2756]

Draymond ego destroyed the warriors dynasty they could have won 2 more championships with KD

[@Kinggunna87]

Dude is a lame !

[@Swishemthru]

If I was the warriors front office I woulda traded dray the second the clippers incident happened and he refused to apologize. Yeah they still got another chip after he left but let’s be honest no team is beating them if they’re healthy in a 7 game series, if kd had stayed they’d prolly be going for like their 6th ring together rn. And as a front office ur job is to build a championship roster not to care about things such as draymond being a warrior from day 1. From a basketball standpoint kd is by far the better player so that’s who you keep that loyalty stuff doesn’t matter if it means rings. I’m glad it went down how it did tho so we don’t have to see gsw still winning lol

[@LuciaNjoku]

Draymond didn’t destroy anything. They won a championship without KD.

[@Kinggunna87]

@@LuciaNjoku cause they brought in pieces to complement Steph , they was on a 4 yrs drought

[@hesolitty_]

@@Swishemthruthey couldn’t it was past the deadline but I see what your saying I completely agree

[@wql1]

One of the best for sure. Also one of my favorite to watch!

[@DaKidGowie]

Really enjoyed this sit down. I’ve always respected KD’s perspective on ball because he’s not a fan of this troll era. Hearing his story from his mouth really helps you understand him as a person.

[@nathansylvester4587]

Dope conversation. Good vibes.

[@kaybee4L]

Great conversation guys.

[@willspitta]

These always be refreshing 💎

[@klaudiapska]

Great interview! Keep going :)

[@alexanderosarigie7393]

I will always love this man.... one of the purest basketball players I have ever seen. Bro if you retire today, I might not follow the NBA the same. You and Kobe are my favorite players of all time.

[@bhillncolor]

Great Job! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@CAmericanSportsCritic]

This is such a good interview.

[@phkeifff3139]

Grateful for what you did for my city KD!! Thunder up!! 🌩️⬆️

[@danieljones8007]

Wow well needed

[@thandilelose1658]

Such great perspective not only on the game but life in general. I don't understand basketball much but as a sports and life lover this was refreshing ❤.

[@austinodigie2428]

This is dope 🔥

[@leonardochatzinas4932]

The fact that KD is still one of the best players right now after such an injury is insane. I love KD man.

[@Dave-to5it]

"Sometimes you being upset helps you figure out a problem, but that doesn't mean my life overall is unhappy." That's so true, people who always keep a smile on, I feel like they never dug deep within themselves.

[@LeeCarrazana]

Great Kd interview actually best one yet

[@markswoooooo209]

This is great and definitely needed, it’s only right to set people perspectives again nothing to restrict but we can’t never get enough of Trey five

[@anasshahid224]

Great interview! KD is the man, a true legend, love his chill vibe 😊

[@carlosgarciatovar9220]

I still remember buying my first KDs and having a different feeling for the game. ThanKs KD !Appreciate everything you have done for basketball 🏀

[@Andrew-rn1so]

dope pod. dope dudes. dope setting.

[@user-sq4tx8gb6r]

This was some great reason big up k d you’re definitely in top 10 basketball hands down 👌🏿🙌🏿👏🏿

[@codymazza7303]

this was great...stay healthy KD.

[@markmahan5119]

Excellent conversation,,,never really heard K D open up,,,like he said he's sort of reserved and that's OK,,,so I really appreciate him sharing,,,and he is a GOAT😊

[@JayywavySurfingLaughs4Days]

Kevin Durant is the 🐐 in more ways than one! 🌟 Not only does he dominate on the court with his skills and finesse, but he also inspires others with his charitable work and positive impact off the court. 🕊️❤️️‍🔥

[@CmThayer33]

I was a huge KD fan but had cooled off on him in recent years because I wasn’t a fan of the attitude but after this, I totally understand it all now. I’m back to a KD fan boy. Not quite a Stan tho. GREAT INTERVIEW. I learned so much about KD. This had a Kobe vibe as well.

[@YMIH]

Really great Interview

[@claydroids]

The part on perspective after the championships and motivation of working on the craft is great.

[@rjb319]

Incredible watch. Have so much love for KD. Nice to get to know partner in crime Rich as well.

[@35Villain]

You are the only superstar who engages in a convo about your craft with some random folks. At least we know you are a human being not some Villain as they promote you as. I have come to terms with the role they portray you as it’s about business. Remember that there was never no hype about you coming into the league as they assumed cause of your size you couldn’t succeed. Just few months ago you entered the top ten in points in the history of all the greats which have played. What is amazing is how consistent you have been throughout your career always putting up whatever it takes. Coming back from that injury putting up historic performances and being so close is a movie alone. Then leading your country when many of your peers didn’t come through afterwards on the world stage is another glorious moment. There is nothing you have to prove to the real fans who have witnessed everything. They keep bringing up your 2 championships and 2 Finals MVP in many debates about whether you earned them or not. They are not blind as we all watched you dominate from the moment you stepped into the Bay Area. More than anything I actually want to acknowledge their franchise player who didn’t show any selfishness and let you be what you were. You didn’t shy away from the moment and took over which is credit to everyone there and you being prepared for it. Can’t take nothing away from you. You got understand that the game has evolved and the brand doesn’t just want to sale about who can fly and throw it down which was the most exciting for so long. It has now moved to long range at a high clip and they wanted to market that. So in order to sale that brand they had to raise that specific player or face of what they wanted to promote. In that business plan to raise him higher they had minimize his teammates impact less. Just say you are the casualty in the game of brand promotion. Plus they want to reach as many buyers as possible so with that player having families and kids they want to target all families and kids. But to keep reaching to every households they have to keep saying that player name and since you are associated they have to take shots at you in the same sentence. Nothing personal just business. To make matters worse they already have one other player they focused all their money on before until you came along. Once they realized you were actually that great they made some room for you until the third player came into his own later on. So you had one they wanted to be the next big thing better than MJ to sale more brands and here comes this tall one who can do everything we need to give a shot at it. Then while that market is taking foot boy did he come in there splashing from long range. One already had a ground and so much has been invested into and you were being invested in to certain extent but once the third one came they had to put a pause on your marketing strategy. The fans buy into it and it works as most believe it’s cause of you their chosen one didn’t get 6 to end that greatest debate which still goes on. The fans of the other is also saying it’s cause of how great that long range was you dominated to get 2 fmvps. We get it but your consistency and efficiency over your whole career has shown us you can do it with any one on that mountain. As a fan I used to get mad and angry about why they disrespecting you but I have long come to understand it’s more about business. One more thing I still believe on your biggest games that to push that business forward they let the opponents get away with too much fouls on you cause none can guard you if they called them fouls. Hopefully they let you play without being held and pushed around so we witness your last few years as you have done so much for the game. You are the greatest in my eyes.

[@resistinggracejon]

KD, dude your story makes this old man cry

[@user-ro5mw9qr1y]

Growing up in Jamaica, our sport is Football (soccer), cricket and track & field. You made me fell in love with the game man keep being you! My goat

[@donjulio5138]

MOST HUMBLE 💯

[@PhoenixSunsin2025]

Get a ring with Dbook KD! ☀️☄️

[@Robert_31]

Love you KD- you're work ethic is outstanding, but your humanity glows.

[@bombsquadcannon7351]

My favorite player EVER next to Dirk. I love the way he sees the game, understands himself, and carries it. My guy!!!

[@justinhumphrey1516]

Great Interview! Nice to hear KD speak on life. I recommend for the chapters to shorten the titles. We can’t read what it is about if it says Kevin Durant Speaks on…We know who’s speaking all ready. 🙏🏾

[@TheBoardroom]

appreciate that feedback!

[@Jordan-fh5wt]

been watching kd since i was 7. he’s been near the top of the league this entire time. talk about longevity. gonna be a sad day when he retires

[@nenee8855]

KD is one of the all time greats. He is currently and has been one of my favorite players ever. When he tore his Achilles I cried like a baby. This man doesn’t get enough respect for just being the player he is today post injury and taking into account how consistent he’s been his entire career. No matter how nasty the media try’s to paint their narrative they can never paint my own perspective of the player he is.

[@kekotruckingandmore7781]

I have learned so much from you Kevin, God bless you, I love you..

[@St2ewww]

Dope interview shoutout to KD