Could Kevin Durant's spat with Draymond Green impact decision to join Knicks?

KD appeared to mouth 'That's why I'm out' Monday night

11/14/2018, 5:00 PM
Jun 8, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts in a timeout during the third quarter in game four of the 2018 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports / Ken Blaze
Jun 8, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts in a timeout during the third quarter in game four of the 2018 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports / Ken Blaze

Kevin Durant's on-court dust-up with Draymond Green resulted in a one-game suspension for the latter Warriors star.

But did Monday night's confrontation, which reportedly carried over into the Golden State locker room and included Green calling Durant a "bitch" several times, have any impact on KD's future?

Durant, who many expect to opt out of his Warriors deal and enter free agency this summer, has been linked to the Knicks by more than just a Manhattan billboard.

Durant's brother fueled the speculation by hinting the reigning two-time NBA Finals MVP will leave the Warriors come 2019. Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes reported the Knicks have a "very good shot" at landing Durant, and ESPN's Zach Lowe also predicted he will sign with New York.

But Monday's frustration could be the strongest indication that Durant may have already made his decision to depart Golden State.

Durant grew upset after Green ignored his call for the ball in the finals seconds of a tie game, instead taking it into the Clippers' zone before falling and losing possession as the buzzer rang. After calling out Green in the huddle, Durant appeared to mouth "That's why I'm out" while returning to the court.

The Warriors went on to lose, 121-116.

ESPN sources described the postgame scene as "one of the most volatile episodes of the Warriors' dynastic run". In addition to the name-calling, Green also blamed Durant for making the entire season about him and his impending free agency, according to Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic. 

Warriors brass responded with the one-game punishment without pay, appearing to take Durant's side. An anonymous player told The Athletic that Green may have lost his sway with his teammates, and that the front office has taken notice.

"With what was said, there is already no way Durant is coming back," the player said. "The only hope is that they can say this summer, 'See, KD. We've got your back. We protected you from Draymond.'"

Green won't become a free agent until 2020, but even if the Warriors trade him, it appears Durant has already made up his mind about his future.

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