The Warriors welcome Kevin Durant to the Bay

New seasons usually begin quietly at the Warriors headquarters.  Other than the sign-and-trade of Andre Iguodala, the Warriors haven't had a marquee offseason acquisition in years.

But today, Warriors headquarters was brimming with excitement. The most eventful offseason in recent memory concluded in one of the most impactful signings in NBA history.

It's happening. pic.twitter.com/g8LMFQzdAF

— Jordan Ramirez (@JRAM_91) July 7, 2016

It was neither a high-energy spectacle nor a serious proclamation: Kevin Durant, GM Bob Myers, and head coach Steve Kerr spent most of the time cracking jokes. Steve Kerr quipped he was thinking about maybe starting the former MVP, and Kevin Durant joked that his former coach Ron Adams, now defensive mastermind for the Warriors, was the only reason why he came.  Kevin even got a good jab in at his new teammate Klay Thompson, who surprised him with a text-- he didn't know Klay had a phone.

There was a certain familiarity in the air: it seemed like Kevin was returning to the place he always wanted to be, even if he had never been here before. He hugged Ron Adams, and spoke admiringly about the four Warriors who came to the offseason meetings to persuade him to join the team.  The yet-to-be-named lineup of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Durant, and Draymond Green has risen to mythical proportions.

Number 35. #DubNation pic.twitter.com/QNJsibrN2I

— GoldenStateWarriors (@warriors) July 7, 2016

Durant also talked about leaving Oklahoma City, the hardest decision he ever had to make.  He shed tears when calling Thunder General Manager Sam Presti to tell him his decision, and expressed his gratitude to the city, franchise, and fans.  He commented briefly on his relationship with Thunder star Russell Westbrook, who understood and respected his decision. Finally, he added that the Warriors are his permanent home now.

Durant: "I plan on being here. I don't want to go through that again."

— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 7, 2016

The press conference ended with coach Steve Kerr praising Warriors who have moved on this season. Harrison Barnes, Andrew Bogut, Brandon Rush, Leandro Barbosa, and Festus Ezeli were great Warriors, and we thank them for service too.

Ride along with @KDTrey5 as he arrives in Oakland for his first day as a Warrior.https://t.co/i9DC154xzQ

— GoldenStateWarriors (@warriors) July 7, 2016