The Golden State Warriors’ dynasty in the late 2010s was nothing short of legendary, with Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant forming one of the most formidable duos in NBA history. Together, they clinched two NBA championships and left fans in awe with their on-court chemistry. But behind the scenes, whispers of tension between the two superstars began to surface. When Durant left the Warriors in 2019 to join the Brooklyn Nets, speculation erupted: Was there a rift between Durant and Curry? Did Durant’s departure stem from jealousy over Curry’s meteoric rise and fan adoration? Let’s dive into the details, separate fact from fiction, and uncover the truth behind their rumored conflict.
1. The Golden Years of Curry and Durant
From 2016 to 2019, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry were the heartbeat of the Warriors’ dominance. Curry, the greatest shooter in NBA history, revolutionized the game with his long-range shooting, while Durant, a versatile scoring machine, added an unstoppable dimension to the team. Together, they led the Warriors to back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018, with Durant earning Finals MVP honors both times. Their synergy was undeniable, but off the court, things weren’t always as smooth.
2. Rumors of Tension and Ego Clashes
Posts on X and various media outlets have suggested that Durant felt overshadowed by Curry during his time with the Warriors. Despite Durant’s elite performances and Finals MVP awards, Curry remained the face of the franchise, beloved by fans for his humility and long tenure with the team. A 2019 post from Complex Sports claimed Durant felt like he was “playing second fiddle” to Curry, hinting at possible jealousy over the fans’ adoration for the Warriors’ homegrown star. Another post in 2021 noted Durant addressing these rumors, denying jealousy but acknowledging the media’s role in amplifying tensions.
The narrative of Durant’s ego clashing with Curry’s spotlight gained traction, especially after a reported incident during the 2019 playoffs. When Durant was sidelined by injury, a reporter asked him about the Warriors performing well without him, to which Durant responded, “We. We’re doing well. I’m part of this team too.” His frustration with the media’s tendency to pit him against Curry was palpable, suggesting external pressures may have exacerbated any underlying tension.
3. Draymond Green’s Role and Team Dynamics
Another layer to the story involves Draymond Green, the Warriors’ fiery forward. Some sources point to a heated altercation between Green and Durant during the 2018-19 season as a turning point. Green reportedly challenged Durant’s commitment to the team, which some believe alienated Durant and contributed to his decision to leave. This incident, combined with the media’s constant comparisons between Durant and Curry, created a narrative that Durant couldn’t escape Curry’s shadow, even with his Finals MVP accolades. However, Durant has consistently spoken highly of Curry, calling him a “really good dude” and expressing a desire to reunite, as noted in a 2022 Rolling Stone interview.
4. Was It Jealousy or Something Else?
The idea that Durant was jealous of Curry’s success oversimplifies the situation. Durant’s departure was likely influenced by a combination of factors: the pressure to prove he could win a championship without the Warriors’ stacked roster, the media’s relentless comparisons, and his own desire for a fresh start after a devastating Achilles injury in the 2019 Finals. Curry, on the other hand, has always been the Warriors’ cornerstone, and his leadership style—rooted in humility and team-first mentality—never wavered, even during Durant’s tenure.
In a 2025 report, The Athletic detailed a conversation between Curry and Durant before a failed trade attempt to bring Durant back to Golden State. Durant’s “coldness” toward a reunion suggests he wanted to carve his own path, not necessarily out of jealousy but out of a need to redefine his legacy. The truth is, both players are generational talents with different personalities—Curry thrives in the Warriors’ system, while Durant seeks challenges elsewhere.
The rumored conflict between Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry is more a product of media speculation and fan narratives than a deep-seated feud. While there may have been moments of tension, driven by external pressures and team dynamics, there’s no concrete evidence that Durant’s departure was fueled by jealousy of Curry’s success. Instead, it reflects Durant’s pursuit of independence and a desire to escape the constant comparisons. Both players continue to respect each other, as evidenced by Durant’s warm remarks about Curry and their shared history. The Warriors’ dynasty may have ended, but the legacy of Curry and Durant’s partnership—and the lessons from their so-called “conflict”—will forever captivate NBA fans. What do you think—did Durant leave because of Curry, or was it all just media hype?