Ah, July 4th, 2016—a day that will live in infamy, not for fireworks or barbecues, but for Kevin Durant’s declaration of independence from the Oklahoma City Thunder. In a heartfelt piece titled “My Next Chapter” on The Players’ Tribune, Durant announced his decision to join the Golden State Warriors, the very team that had just eliminated his Thunder in the Western Conference Finals after a 3-1 series lead
The internet, ever the bastion of understanding and nuance, responded with grace and empathy. Just kidding. Fans and critics alike saw this move as a betrayal, dubbing Durant a “snake” and accusing him of taking the easy route to a championship
ut amidst the outrage, a meme was born. The “My Next Chapter” meme took Durant’s announcement and turned it into a template for mockery. Every time the Warriors lost a game, Reddit users would photoshop Durant’s image with the logo of the victorious team, suggesting he was already planning his next move.
The meme’s versatility extended beyond basketball. When Durant faced criticism for his performances or decisions, the meme resurfaced, often with humorous captions like, “KD’s next chapter… joining Team USA after a rough NBA season.”
Even Durant himself couldn’t resist the allure of the meme. Eighteen months after his original announcement, he joined in on the joke, showcasing a level of self-awareness that endeared him to some fans.
In the end, while Durant’s decision may have ruffled feathers, it also gave birth to one of the most enduring memes in sports history. And for that, we thank him