​Inside Kevin Durant’s final text exchange with Thunder teammate after 2016 exit  originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Kevin Durant’s departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder has been examined from nearly every angle over the past decade. One part of that story remained private until now, the final text conversation between Durant and former teammate Anthony Morrow after free agency changed the franchise’s future.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMorrow says he reached out to Durant after learning the seven-time All-Star had decided to leave Oklahoma City. Rather than question the decision, Morrow sent a message built around respect, even though he was still trying to process the news.Speaking on the Club 520 podcast, Morrow said he told Durant he had prayed about the situation and accepted that the decision belonged to him. He closed the message by wishing Durant success wherever his career would take him.Durant’s reply was brief, “Appreciate it, bro.”Morrow said the response ended their exchange, but not the emotions surrounding it. After putting his phone away, he admitted that frustration replaced the calm tone he had shown in the text.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe laughed while recalling that reaction, saying his first private thought was anger over losing a teammate he considered a brother. The feeling did not last. Morrow said their relationship remained intact despite the disappointment he felt that day.The exchange gives a different perspective on one of the biggest decisions in NBA free agency. While everyone focused on Durant moving to Golden State, the discussions in the Thunder locker room remained largely unknown. Morrow’s story shows that teammates could support Durant’s choice but still struggled to accept what it meant for Oklahoma City’s future.Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama creates ‘problem’ for NBPA after shocking supermax decisionVictor Wembanyama’s hometown discount could be the move that builds a dynasty in San AntonioCandid courtside moment shows Mavericks’ old and new guard coming together earlyTwo Spurs legends made the same financial sacrifice for the exact same reasonHere’s the contract loophole giving De’Aaron Fox a long-term edge over Victor Wembanyama