When LeBron James left the Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat, he was widely regarded as a traitor. How could he not stick with the team that had drafted him, especially because it was Cleveland? He had come so close, almost single handedly leading his team to a Finals victory. But LeBron would eventually become fed up with the Cavaliers, who failed to provide him with solid players who would advance his championship hopes. So he jumped ship.
'The Decision': LeBron James.
In a highly publicized media spectacle, James made his decision to leave Cleveland and join the Miami Heat.
He was derided for taking his "talents to South Beach" in such a fashion, but that didn't seem to have any effects on the King's popularity. Since joining the Heat, James has made the NBA Finals in each of the last 7 seasons. He's won 3 of those titles since then, and two with the Miami Heat.
When James lost the NBA Finals with Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade, he decided it was time to move on. And what place could be better than the one that started it all? James chose to head back to Cleveland, pairing with stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. In his first year, James failed to take the Cavaliers to a NBA championship, as the Warriors won the series 4-2. The next year, the Cavaliers would come back from an improbable 3-1 deficit to win the title.
In the 2017 NBA title, things were much different, thanks to the presence of one player.
Kevin Durant.
Durant is easily the best player in Oklahoma City history. He's widely recognized as a top 3 NBA player, and at 6 foot 9, his jump shot is nearly impossible to block, making him both a deadly shooter and an athletic nightmare.
In 2012, the Thunder nearly managed to win a title behind his impressive play. In 2016, the Thunder collapsed against the Warriors in the playoffs. Kevin Durant was clearly tired of losing playoff games, and decided to make a change, leaving Russell Westbrook and Oklahoma City behind.
For the 2016-2017 season, Kevin Durant decided to join forces with the team that had blown a 3-1 lead in the NBA finals a year prior.
Durant would join forces with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, combining for four of the top 30 players in the NBA on the same team. The Warriors were heavy favorites to win the NBA title, and dispatched of the Cavaliers fairly easily.
Future.
Next year, Kevin Durant will remain on the Golden State Warriors, and they will still be the favorites to win the title. But past the 2017-2018 season, Durant's future isn't clear, especially when you consider the Paul George situation. According to multiple reports, KD helped Oklahoma City recruit the Pacers star by stressing the awesome culture.
Durant clearly liked it in OKC, but he didn't have all the support from players he needed. With George there, Durant could easily return, form a big three of his own, and compete for another NBA title. Don't be shocked when it happens in two years.
