In 2016, Kevin Durant shook up the landscape of the NBA by choosing to play for the Golden State Warriors. In 2018, he was able to watch DeMarcus Cousins make the same decision.

Durant was asked how he first heard about Cousins being interested in the Warriors. The back-to-back Finals MVP said:

“Yeah, definitely we all were. I got a call that morning from Bob just saying it's a possibility. I'm like ‘no way.' Then I went to the movies throughout the day. I got three or four calls in the movies I had to ignore and when I got out it said it was finalized. I FaceTimed DeMarcus and called Bob. I was so excited because I knew how important this time was for DeMarcus to find a team and find somebody that's gonna help him get through this injury first and then play his best basketball. I think it's gonna be perfect for both spots. For him and for us.”

More and more, we're seeing NBA players hear about transactions and trades in funny ways. Durant was in the movies when the Warriors finalized their deal with DeMarcus Cousins and solidified their place as the overwhelming favorite next season.

Durant was also asked how he feels about the hate coming the Warriors' way after they signed the All-Star center.

“Well, it was expected. Nobody likes a great thing. Greatness is rare and it's different. People don't like different so I get it. But I think for DeMarcus I liked his approach. I liked our approach to it. Coming in and just wanting it to be about basketball and once you look at it that way it works perfectly.”

The Warriors are often derided for “ruining the league,” but the fact of the matter is that they are doing what every other team wishes they could. They built their team through the draft and player development. After establishing the core of the team, they became an attractive destination for big-time free agents like Durant and Cousins.

They aren't worried about what the rest of the league thinks. They're just going about their business and seeking their fourth championship in five years.