Tom Brady, the Influencer? The Boston Celtics went to great lengths in their pursuit of Kevin Durant during the summer of 2016. Surprisingly, Tom Brady was part of their persuasive efforts. However, did the legendary quarterback inadvertently steer Durant in a different direction?
During an appearance on Showtime’s “All the Smoke” this week, Rich Kleiman, Durant’s long-standing agent and business partner, shared insights on various topics. Kleiman reminisced about the multitude of individuals who traveled to The Hamptons to make their case to his client.
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Among them was Tom Brady, and Kleiman mentioned that the former New England Patriots star’s advice played a role in Durant’s decision to join the Golden State Warriors.
“I remember when the Celtics came. So it was the Celtics’ ownership and Danny Ainge and I think Jae Crowder and Kelly Olynyk was there, but here came Tom Brady,” Kleiman recalled. “So it was like, alright, s—, they’re really trying to level the playing field. So (Brady and Durant) went to take a walk together, I think. Then later on KD was like, ‘So he told me, bottom line, look for the best team, best organization, best chance to win, no matter what. I think Brady just told me to go to the Warriors, bro.’”
Brady undoubtedly provided Durant with sincere guidance. When Brady referred to the “best organization,” he may have been alluding to the Celtics, given their esteemed reputation in the world of sports. Nevertheless, it was clear that the Warriors offered Durant the most promising path to success.
While other notable Boston athletes attempted to lure Durant to the Celtics, their collective efforts ultimately fell short. In hindsight, the Celtics’ decision to involve Brady in their pitch appears to have had unintended consequences.
