BREAKING NEWS : Excitement Hit at, Paycom Center as Former Oklahoma City Thunder Legend Kevin Durant, has Returned to his Former team as the new……….

In a stunning turn of events that has electrified the basketball world and sent shockwaves through the NBA community, former Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant has officially returned to his roots — not as a player, but in a new role as Senior Coaching Advisor with the Thunder organization.

The announcement was made early Friday morning in a packed press conference at Paycom Center, where fans and media alike gathered in anticipation after rumors swirled overnight. Durant, now 36, took the stage to thunderous applause, flanked by Thunder General Manager Sam Presti and Head Coach Mark Daigneault.

> “This city helped shape who I am — not just as a basketball player, but as a man,” Durant said, visibly emotional. “It’s only right that I come back and pour into the next generation of talent here. I’ve got unfinished business — not on the court, but from the bench, the film room, and the culture we build every day.”

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Full Circle Moment

Durant’s return marks a full-circle moment for the franchise and its fans. Drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007 and moving with the team to Oklahoma City in 2008, KD quickly became the face of the Thunder, leading the team to the NBA Finals in 2012 and winning the league MVP in 2014. His departure in 2016 to join the Golden State Warriors left a scar on many in Oklahoma, but time — and mutual respect — has clearly mended those wounds.

Presti, who has maintained a relationship with Durant over the years, called the reunion “a powerful moment of healing, growth, and forward momentum.”

> “Kevin’s basketball IQ is off the charts,” Presti said. “More importantly, his leadership, mentorship, and vision will be invaluable as we continue to build a championship culture here.”

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Role & Responsibilities

As Senior Coaching Advisor, Durant will not be part of the day-to-day game planning on the bench but will serve as a key mentor and developmental figure for Thunder players, especially the younger core that includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams. He will also have input in scouting, player development strategies, and organizational leadership.

His experience as a 2-time NBA Champion, 2-time Finals MVP, and Olympic gold medalist offers instant credibility and insight few in the league can match.

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Fan Reaction

Thunder fans took to social media with overwhelming excitement, with hashtags like #KDReturns, #WelcomeBackDurant, and #ThunderFamily trending nationwide within hours. Outside Paycom Center, fans gathered to celebrate with banners, murals, and throwback jerseys — a rare moment of unity in the often turbulent world of professional sports.

> “It feels like a dream. We never thought we’d see KD back in OKC, let alone helping build the next chapter,” said longtime fan Marcus Bell. “He’s not just returning — he’s restoring something.”

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NBA World Reacts

Across the league, Durant’s move is being hailed as a sign of the evolving paths athletes can take after their playing careers. Fellow NBA stars and former teammates like Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, and Kyrie Irving all shared supportive messages online.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski called the news “one of the most emotional and significant post-retirement moves in recent memory.”

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What’s Next?

Durant’s return could signal a cultural renaissance in OKC. With a team already on the rise and playoff expectations growing, his influence may provide the X-factor needed to take the Thunder from contenders to champions once again.

> “I may not wear the jersey anymore,” Durant said, “but believe me — I bleed Thunder blue. Let’s get to work.”