Charles Barkley: Kevin Durant ‘Trying To Cheat’ Way To Title With Warriors

Upon his announcement Monday that he would sign with the Golden State Warriors, many branded Kevin Durant as a front-runner interested only in taking the easiest possible path to an NBA championship.

In Charles Barkley’s eyes, he’s also a cheater.

Barkley said Tuesday on ESPN Radio’s “Mike & Mike” that Durant is “trying to cheat his way into a championship” by spurning the Oklahoma City Thunder to link up with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and the rest of the Warriors’ loaded roster.

Can Durant signing with Golden State, which last month fell one win shy of a second consecutive NBA title, be viewed as taking the easy way out? Of course. But cheating? C’mon, Chuck. That’s a turrble take.

It’s also a bit hypocritical, seeing as Barkley did basically the same thing when he — starved for a title after 12 seasons in Philadelphia and Phoenix — joined Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler on a stacked Houston Rockets team in 1996. The Rockets had won back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995 but never made it past the West finals in Barkley’s three seasons with the team.

Thumbnail photo via David Richard/USA TODAY Sports Images