In a move that has sent emotional shockwaves throughout the basketball world, the Oklahoma City Thunder have officially announced that former superstar Kevin Durant is returning to the organization — this time, not as a player, but as a member of the senior coaching staff.
The announcement was made earlier today inside a packed Paycom Center, where fans, former teammates, and current Thunder players gathered for what was billed as a “franchise-shaping press conference.”
🗣️ “This is home. This is where I grew up — not just as a player, but as a man. It’s time to give back to the city and franchise that gave me everything,” Durant said, visibly emotional.
🏀 From Star to Staff: Durant’s Journey Comes Full Circle
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Drafted: 2nd overall in 2007 (as Seattle Supersonics)
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OKC Tenure: 2008–2016
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4Ă— Scoring Champion
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2014 NBA MVP
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7Ă— All-Star as a Thunder player
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Led team to the NBA Finals in 2012
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Post-OKC Career:
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Won 2 NBA titles with Golden State (2017, 2018)
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Played for Brooklyn Nets, then Phoenix Suns
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One of the top 10 all-time scorers in NBA history
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Durant left Oklahoma City in 2016 for the Golden State Warriors — a decision that caused friction among fans at the time. But in the years since, both sides have expressed a desire to reconnect, and today’s announcement solidifies a long-awaited reconciliation.
🧠Durant’s New Role with the Thunder
Durant has been named Senior Advisor to Player Development and Culture — a hybrid coaching and mentorship role that will have him working closely with:
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Rising stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams
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The Thunder’s coaching staff, led by head coach Mark Daigneault
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G League and rookie development programs
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Special assignments in scouting and team culture building
Sources say Durant will be particularly focused on mentoring the team’s young core, offering insights from his 18-year NBA career and helping shape the next generation of OKC stars.
Thunder GM Sam Presti said: “Kevin is one of the greatest to ever wear this jersey. His knowledge, experience, and love for this city make him the perfect addition to our leadership team.”
đź’¬ Player and Fan Reactions
Thunder players took to social media immediately:
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🗣️ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: “Learning from a legend. Let’s get to work.”
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🗣️ Chet Holmgren: “KD in the building?? Say less.”
And the fans? They were electric.
🙌 “The prodigal son returns.”
🔥 “Welcome home, KD. All is forgiven.”
💯 “Thunder family reunited. This is the beginning of something big.”
🏟️ A Special Homecoming Planned
The Thunder organization plans to hold a “Kevin Durant Appreciation Night” during the home opener this season. The team will unveil a new tribute inside the Paycom Center and possibly discuss retiring Durant’s No. 35 jersey — a move fans have been calling for since his retirement earlier this year.
đź”® What This Means for OKC
With a roster already primed for contention in the Western Conference, Durant’s return could provide the veteran wisdom and championship mentality needed to take the next step.
It also signals that the Thunder’s championship window is wide open, with a perfect blend of youth, coaching, front office vision, and now — legacy.
đź’« KD IS HOME
Kevin Durant’s story with Oklahoma City was once marked by controversy, but now it’s defined by reconnection, redemption, and revival. As he returns to help guide the next era of Thunder greatness, fans can proudly say:
“Once a Thunder, always a Thunder.”
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