Durant: 'I know I hurt so many people in OKC by changing teams'

Kevin Durant hasn't spoken publicly about the Thunder since deserting Oklahoma City for the team that defeated them in the Western Conference finals - the Golden State Warriors.

With Team USA training camp kicking off Monday in Las Vegas, Durant finally broke his silence.

"We had some great years, some great players that came through there," the former NBA MVP said about the franchise that drafted him nine years ago. "Two great coaches came through there. The arena was great. The fans were great.

"Nothing's going to change about Thunder basketball - what they stand on, what the organization stands on is not going to change. That wasn't built by just me. That was the whole community. That was the whole team. That was the whole organization that built what they have. It's further than what I did."

Still, Durant did a lot for the team, serving as its leader for as long as its been in Oklahoma City. He meant a lot to Oklahomans, many of whom didn't take the news of his departure well.

The megastar received plenty of backlash from fans, whether it be on social media or in the form of burnt jerseys and defaced signs. He's not happy about it, but he gets it.

"I understand," Durant said. "I understand where they're coming from. It hurt me. I was hurt for a few days because I know I hurt so many people in Oklahoma City by changing teams. Of course they're going to say what they have to say because everybody's emotional. I understand that."

He continued, saying: "I can't say anything to make them feel any different, but still just go out there and be who I am as a basketball player and a person and, like I said, life moves on."