Joe Lacob thanks Kevin Durant, says #35 is off limits

Kevin Durant deciding to join the Brooklyn Nets is surely a tough pill to swallow for the Golden State Warriors. But they’re not displaying any disappointment.

A day after Durant announced his intention to team up with good friend Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn, Warriors CEO, Co-Chairman, and majority shareholder Joe Lacob released a statement thanking the 10-time All-Star for his brilliant play over the last three years.

Lacob also noted that Durant’s jersey number - 35 - will be off-limits for other players.

Here’s the full statement:

“Three years ago, we were thrilled with the arrival of Kevin Durant, a transformative NBA player and one of the best to ever play the game. He provided our team and franchise with numerous highlights during his stay here — two NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVPs, three trips to the finals, unparalleled efficiency — and carried himself with class and dignity both on and off the court. His commitment to our community was evident each day, including last season when his philanthropic efforts earned him the NBA’s annual Community Assist Award. Today, as he starts a new chapter in his incredible career, we thank KD for all of his contributions, for being an integral part to one of the most prolific runs in NBA history and wish him well as he continues his Hall of Fame journey. As long as I am Co-Chairman of this team, no player will ever wear #35 for the Warriors again.”

Good on the Warriors for the classy statement, and the pseudo-jersey retirement. Durant deserves nothing but gratitude and praise on his way out.

The Warriors are highly unlikely to formally retire Durant’s jersey while he’s still an active player. But it would certainly seem likely that his jersey will be retired when all is said and done.