After LeBron James’ iconic ‘decision’ ushered in the era of player empowerment, stars like Kevin Durant decided to go to the Golden State Warriors. However, that move was heavily scrutinised by the entire NBA. While Bron redeemed himself in the eyes of the Public by getting the Cleveland Cavaliers a championship, KD’s lack of rings after his Warriors exit in 2019 raises questions about his place among greats even today.

Many argue that Stephen Curry already cemented his position above the Slim Reaper when he took an underperforming Dubs to a championship in 2022, but Gilbert Arenas disagrees, citing a particular incident from 2019 in his recent podcast episode of the ‘Night Cap’ with Shannon Sharpe.

The former Washington Wizards star was discussing the fact that when considering KD’s status over Steph, one already ‘snaws’ at it he left OKC to join the Dubs. Despite winning two finals MVPs and back-to-back championships with the Warriors, KD’s legacy will be in question regardless as he left Russell Westbrook to join a stronger team. Interestingly, though, Gill points out, “When Curry and Kevin Durant were up at the same time, they only had one max to give out. They offered it to Kevin Durant, not Curry. They offered it to Kevin Durant, saying, ‘We’re maxing you,’ and he said, ‘No, this is not my team.’”

As per reports from that time, what the three-time all-star says seems to check out. The Dubs were willing not to give their home-grown superstar the max contract instead of offering Durant the 20 Million Bag. While Steph’s contract was $201 Million for 5 years signed in 2017, the Dubs offered KD a $221 Million deal. However, Durant denied the offer, which cued the front office of his upcoming exit. Does this place the Slim Reaper above Steph? Someone who have observed both of them closely disagrees.

Draymond Geeen on the Kevin Durant vs Steph Curry Debate

Green was the key defensive piece of the Dubs’ back-to-back Championship run. He has watched both future Hall of Famers during that time and he has some thoughts of his own. In a recent episode of his podcast, he said, “When I watched him (Steph) do what he did in 2022, he took steps up for me. Like, ‘Oh no, this dude is up in that conversation now.’ Yeah, he’s there now. You’ve got to go do what Steph did to get to that conversation, in my opinion.”

While the former DPOY accepted that KD’s championships are in fact “real”, what Steph did in 2022 places him a bit ahead of him when the GOAT conversion is concerned.