Durant: LeBron 'paved the way' for me to join superteam

Kevin Durant has received his fair share of criticism for signing with the Golden State Warriors last summer, but he isn't the first former MVP to join a "superteam" in hopes of winning a championship.

While he claims he didn't consider it at the time, the 6-foot-9 power forward admitted that LeBron James "paved the way" for him to sign in the Bay Area after the four-time MVP took his talents to South Beach in 2010.

"As time goes on, and the changes start to become normal, people will start looking at it as normal," Durant told B/R Mag's Howard Beck. "I hope and pray that they make a decision that's best for them, and nobody else."

It's no secret that Durant's decision has immediately paid dividends, as the 28-year-old is just two wins away from hoisting his first Larry O'Brien trophy.

"That's what free agency is about—doing what you want to do," he added. "I commend LeBron. I commend LaMarcus Aldridge. I commend guys that stay, because they did what they wanted to do. That's the power of free agency."

Durant may not be the last All-Star to join a superteam, as recent reports have suggested that Chris Paul plans to give the San Antonio Spurs "serious consideration" in free agency.