Skip Bayless has had a long history of feuds with professional athletes, most notably with the outspoken Kevin Durant. Recently, Durant took to social media to respond to Bayless’s criticisms. While Bayless has consistently criticized LeBron James in harsh terms, he once defended Durant during his early career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, even refraining from heavy criticism when Durant joined the dominant Golden State Warriors in 2016.
However, Bayless’s stance on Durant has shifted dramatically. In a recent episode of his podcast, The Skip Bayless Show, he criticized Durant’s defensive effort and drive, labeling him as “mentally semi-retired.” Durant reacted to this by acknowledging their shared struggles, stating “we’re both washed.”
Fuck it, We’re both washed, it was a great run @RealSkipBayless https://t.co/CVjqPSWWHH
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) March 9, 2025
This prompted Bayless to further address the issue on a recent episode of The Skip Bayless Show, where he expressed his belief that Durant is no longer willing to make the sacrifices necessary to win. “The other night, Kevin Durant tweeted at me as he has several times over the last 12 years,” Bayless remarked. “I don’t think KD is physically washed—his body looks great. But I’m talking about intangibles, hunger, and a burning desire to win.”
Bayless noted Durant’s impressive accomplishments, including his MVP awards and dominance in international basketball but questioned whether Durant’s current priorities are aligned with chasing championships. He shared, “As KD tweeted at me, ‘It was a great run.’ But now he has so many business interests that may interest him more than basketball. He can still play at a high level, but is he still as obsessed with winning as he was earlier in his career?”
With KD, I’m talking intangibles. Hunger. Burning desire to win. Leading, optional. Winning, optional. As KD tweeted, it was a great run. He has done it all, past tense. He can still PLAY at a high level. But WIN at a high level? Is he still as obsessed with WINNING? pic.twitter.com/5TVfKGfgyM
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 19, 2025
While Durant may seek to prove Bayless wrong with a strong end to the season and help the Suns secure a play-in spot in the Western Conference, it’s evident that Bayless remains skeptical about Durant’s current drive in his NBA career.
