Durant refuted rumors of Clippers owners crying at free agent market promotion meeting in 2016

Clippers Rumor: Kevin Durant refuted rumors about Steve Ballmer crying at the free agent market promotion meeting in 2016. Nearly a decade later, Kevin Durant has refuted a long-running rumor about the Los Angeles Clippers. On X (formerly Twitter), Durant refuted the 2016 report of Clippers owner Steve Ballmer crying while meeting him.

Durant replied to his fan account @SuperstarBNB:

"Someone crying is new to me. We didn't know what an interactive farm was at the forefront of the times."

This comment directly quoted a report published by Aaron Brusky of SportsEthos in 2016. At that time, Bruinsky described the Clippers' meeting with Durant as "tension" and said:

"The Clippers' meeting with Durant' was 'tension', 'Steve Ballmer cried for a time,' but everyone was closer and learned an important lesson."

Durant finally chose to join the Golden State Warriors that summer, joining forces with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. The decision changed the league's competitive landscape, with Durant then winning consecutive championships with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. Kevin Durant's future with the Suns is doubtful, and the Clippers are once again a potential suitor, Durant, 36, is a member of the Phoenix Suns, just finished his second full season with the team. In 62 games in the 2024-25 season, he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. The Suns ranked 11th in the Western Conference with a record of 36 wins and 46 losses, missing the playoffs, and they do not have a first-round pick in 2025, the deal will be passed to the Houston Rockets.

The trade rumors surrounding Durant are intensifying since the February trading deadline, and his career at Phoenix seems to be about to end. It is reported that several teams have contacted the Suns about the former MVP's transfer, and the Clippers have once again become the focus of attention.

According to Hardwood Paroxysm, Clippers insider Law Murray said that while reports of the Clippers chasing Boston Celtics defender Ju Holliday were exaggerated, the team has shown interest in higher-profile goals such as Kevin Durant.

"Law Murray recently said on the podcast that the Clippers' interest in Holiday was exaggerated; I heard the same thing," the media reported. "They are looking for a bigger goal, although I don't think it's possible to finally reach a deal. Instead of revealing the amazing news that they are negotiating with the Phoenix Suns for Durant, it's better to say this: They, like other teams in the league, have already spoken with the Phoenix Suns about Durant, and they happen to be one of the negotiators."

Although it doesn't seem like a deal will be concluded soon, Durant's possible departure and the Clippers' long-standing interest in bringing in stars have allowed the two sides to continue. Durant’s recent post on X not only debunked a compelling rumor in his 2016 free agent market, but also reignited discussions about possible cooperation between the two sides and now possible.