Golden State Warriors superstar Kevin Durant said he will not join the team if they are invited to visit President Donald Trump at the White House. Durant replied “Nah, I won’t do that," when asked if he will join the Warriors in the event that they are invited to the White House after winning the NBA championship last season. The superstar added that he doesn’t respect who’s in office right now, referring to Trump. A White House visit is a tradition for NBA champions but the current administration has not extended a formal invitation yet to the Warriors.
The Warriors will play the Wizards in Washington on February 28. Durant explained his disdain for Trump, saying he doesn’t agree with what he agrees with. He also clarified that it was his personal position and not of the organization. However, Durant is confident that his teammates will agree with him. Durant made the statement during the “Kevin Durant Day” parade in Prince George's County, Maryland, a 30-minute drive from the White House.
White House visit an issue with Warriors
Aside from Durant, Stephen Curry already declared that he will turn down any potential invitation from the White House. However, coach Steve Kerr said the Warriors may consider going on an official visit. Veteran power forward David West, who recently signed a one-year deal with the Warriors, publicly condemned Trump days after the election.
Sixth man Andre Iguodala is also a known Trump critic. Days after winning the NBA title, reports surfaced that the Warriors already turned down an audience with Trump, but the team's front office quickly denied it.
Durant supported LeBron James’ stand
Durant also became an unlikely ally to Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James as he joined him in condemning Trump.
James earlier condemned Trump after clashes sparked between white nationalists and counter-protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia. He also criticized Trump’s campaign slogan and the direction that the country is taking under his administration. Former two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash also criticized Trump on Twitter after the President boasted that he owned one of the largest wineries in America while discussing the Charlottesville incident.
Critics hit Trump for not condemning the actions of white nationalists in his earlier statement regarding the incident. Succumbing to pressure, Trump then criticized white nationalists and other racist organizations such as the KKK and Neo-Nazis.
