Kevin Durant joining Commanders new ownership group needs to happen

Lifelong Washington Commanders fan Kevin Durant was on cloud nine during the team’s three-game winning streak. After the Commanders’ comeback win over the Colts in Week 8, Durant copped a signed Terry McLaurin jersey from the receiver himself before the Wizards hosted Durant’s Nets on Friday.

To return the favor, Durant gave McLaurin his game-worn jersey.

While the Commanders lost in heartbreaking fashion against the Vikings, the positive vibes in the nation’s capital remain after Dan Snyder hired Bank of America securities to explore selling the team. FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer believes a sale could be completed as soon as the new league year in March.

While Dan Snyder is still pondering whether to fully sell the franchise, interest from potential buyers revved up over the weekend with reports listing Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, hip hop mogul Jay-Z, and billionaires Josh Harris, Byron Allen and Todd Boehly as those who are interested in succeeding Snyder.

Might Durant want a slice of the new ownership pie? You better believe it. Durant revealed his interest in a sit-down with ESPN’s Nick Freidell.

Kevin Durant hopes to join Commanders new ownership group.

"“In a perfect world, I would be a part of it,” Durant told ESPN. “I would love to do it. I would love to give a little bit of my money to be a part of the Commanders, but we’ll see. Hopefully it’s somebody nice. I heard [Amazon CEO Jeff] Bezos and Jay-Z, but you never know.”"

Born and raised in the D.C. area, Durant said he was surprised learning of Snyder’s (potential) intentions to sell the Commanders. If Durant became part owner of his childhood team, he’d do it from a fan perspective first and foremost. That said, he’s enamored with the idea of getting closer to players and learning the ropes of being an owner and a front office executive.

"“I would probably stay more of a fan than try to get involved with the team. And it would be something nice for my family, and just to have in our family, that would be incredible to be a part of that group. Just get a little closer to the team if I were to be able to be in that position. Try to learn the business, try to learn from an ownership’s perspective and a front-office perspective, coach’s perspective, try to get closer to players.”"

This is so cool. Back in 2020, Durant disclosed his dream of owning an NFL team (preferably Washington) on ESPN’s Fantasy Football Focus podcast. While Durant doesn’t have any stakes in the league, he’s no stranger to being part of ownership groups, as he currently has a stake with MLS’ Philadelphia Union. Durant is also a minority owner of NY/NJ Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League.

Should Durant realize his dream, he’d follow in the footsteps of fellow basketball legends Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Of course, Jordan currently owns the Charlotte Hornets, and LeBron, though still playing, has ownership stakes in the nine-time world champion Boston Red Sox and English soccer club Liverpool FC.

Durant joining the Commanders new ownership group is a fantastic idea. Fans deserve as much local flavor as possible after Snyder’s reign of terror. Even if it’s just a minority stake, Durant needs to follow through on this if Snyder sells.