Kevin Durant has unapologetic reminder for critics calling LeBron James’ 76ers move 'unfair'

LeBron James literally changed the math this summer on what a title contender looks like. And Kevin Durant, who's lived this exact storyline before, isn't buying the outrage.

The 41-year-old signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal in late July, ending months of speculation about his next stop after eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers. He now joins a powerhouse lineup featuring three 25-plus point scorers from last season: Joel Embiid (26.9 PPG), Tyrese Maxey (28.3 PPG), and Jaylen Brown (28.7 PPG).

With James in that mix, the 76ers have four players who can drop 25-plus on any given night. Critics are already having different feelings about this party. But Kevin Durant isn't trying to hear it. He remembers people saying the same thing about his Golden State Warriors back in the day.

Speaking at a USA Basketball charity event Saturday, Durant said, “The last time they put three 20-point scorers on a team, they said it was unfair, which was the [Warriors] team I was on. They have got four 25-point scorers on this team. So, hell yeah, I think they’re going to be a contender.”

Kevin Durant on LeBron James’s 76ers: “The last time they put three 20-point scorers on a team, they said it was unfair, which was the [Warriors] team I was on. They have got four 25-point scorers on this team. So, hell yeah, I think they’re going to be a contender.” pic.twitter.com/aFcSyDoEq1

Durant's Warriors run, alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, produced two championships and a narrative over "superteams" that reshaped how fans talk about roster building. He’s framing this new Sixers lineup as a group that will have to sacrifice their own shots and stats to make it work, just like his Warriors teams did.

Philly is chasing its first championship since 1983, and King James is trying to get ring number five with his fourth different team. Oddsmakers are already all over it, putting the Sixers right behind OKC and San Antonio in the latest title odds. KD also called the move a smart landing spot for a four-time MVP who still wants to win at the highest level.

More NBA news:

• Spurs have assets to pair Stephen Curry with Victor Wembanyama
• Steph Curry and Warriors reportedly eyeing a familiar face after failed LeBron James’ pursuit
• Stephen A. Smith’s 'flat-out stupid' jab at Kyrie Irving gets rare walk-back
• Alperen Sengun addresses ‘suddenly formed’ rift with Kevin Durant
• LeBron James told to free himself from 'ego' before it's too late