When was kd on the warriors

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: Kevin Durant played for the Golden State Warriors from 2016 to 2019, joining the team in July 2016 and leaving after the 2018–2019 NBA season. He won two NBA championships with the Warriors in 2017 and 2018.

Key Facts

Kevin Durant joined the Golden State Warriors in July 2016 after signing as a free agent
He played three seasons with the Warriors from 2016–17 to 2018–19
Durant won NBA Finals MVP in both 2017 and 2018
The Warriors posted a 207–33 regular-season record during Durant’s tenure
He left the team in July 2019 to sign with the Brooklyn Nets

Overview

Kevin Durant's tenure with the Golden State Warriors marked one of the most dominant stretches in modern NBA history. After joining the team in 2016, Durant helped transform an already elite squad into a historic powerhouse, contributing to back-to-back championships and record-setting win totals.

The move sparked widespread debate due to the Warriors' 73-win season the prior year and Durant’s decision to join a rival. Despite controversy, his impact was immediate and profound, both statistically and in terms of team success.

July 2016: Kevin Durant officially signed with the Golden State Warriors, leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder as a free agent.
2016–2017 season: Durant played 62 games, averaging 25.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, helping the team win 67 games.
2017 NBA Finals: The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games, with Durant earning Finals MVP after averaging 35.2 points in the series.
2017–2018 season: Durant increased his scoring to 26.0 points per game and led the team to a 58–24 record despite injury concerns.
2019 NBA Finals: Durant suffered a Achilles tendon injury in Game 5 against Toronto, effectively ending his Warriors career on a somber note.

How It Works

Durant's integration into the Warriors' system combined elite scoring with unparalleled team synergy. His ability to stretch defenses and play alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green redefined modern basketball strategy.

Position Flexibility: Durant played both small forward and power forward, allowing the Warriors to deploy small-ball lineups that overwhelmed opponents with pace and spacing.
Scoring Efficiency: He shot 51.0% from the field during his Warriors tenure, a career-high efficiency fueled by optimal shot selection and ball movement.
Three-Point Threat: Durant averaged 1.8 made threes per game on 38.7% shooting, forcing defenders to guard him beyond the arc and opening lanes for teammates.
Clutch Performance: In games decided by five points or less, Durant averaged 3.2 points per game in the final minute, often sealing victories with high-difficulty shots.
Defensive Impact: Despite not being known as a lockdown defender, his 7.5 feet wingspan allowed for effective rim protection and passing lane disruption.
Chemistry with Stars: Durant’s unselfishness complemented Curry and Thompson, resulting in assists increasing from 3.5 to 4.3 per game in key lineups.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Durant’s Warriors era compares to his time with other teams in key statistical categories:

Statistic	Warriors (2016–2019)	Thunder (2008–2016)	Brooklyn Nets (2019–2023)
Avg. Points Per Game	26.0	28.3	29.0
Field Goal %	51.0%	48.1%	51.8%
Win Share per 48 min	.238	.215	.205
NBA Championships	2	0	0
Finals MVP Awards	2	0	0

The data shows Durant maintained elite scoring while achieving unprecedented team success in Golden State. Though his individual stats slightly dipped compared to Oklahoma City, his efficiency and championship impact were unmatched. The Warriors' system maximized his strengths while minimizing defensive liabilities.

Why It Matters

Kevin Durant’s Warriors era reshaped perceptions of team building and superstar collaboration in the NBA. His decision to join a near-dynasty challenged traditional rivalries and influenced future star free-agent movements.

Changed Free Agency Culture: Durant’s move inspired later stars like LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to prioritize team strength over competition.
Boosted Warriors' Legacy: The two titles elevated Golden State’s dynasty status, placing them among the NBA’s greatest teams.
Increased Scrutiny on Superteams: The NBA faced criticism over competitive balance, leading to rule discussions around salary cap exceptions.
Impact on Player Legacy: Durant’s legacy became intertwined with team success, though some debate whether it diminished individual prestige.
Injury Aftermath: His Achilles tear in 2019 altered the trajectory of his career and raised concerns about player durability in high-pressure environments.
Media and Fan Reaction: The term "Hamptons Five" emerged to describe the core lineup, symbolizing both brilliance and controversy.

Durant’s Warriors chapter remains a landmark moment in basketball history—celebrated for its dominance, scrutinized for its implications, and remembered for its abrupt end.