Rap star Drake reportedly violated the NBA's anti-tampering rules and has cost the Toronto Raptors $25,000 in fines. Sources say the Raptors' global ambassador issued a public recruiting pitch to Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The 'public recruiting pitch' the NBA is citing as the violation occurred at a recent Drake concert in Toronto where Kevin Durant was present. Drake, a Toronto native, was named the Raptors' global ambassador in September of 2013, and such a title entails certain responsibilities. What Drake said to Durant at his concert was likely considered a violation due to Drake's role with the Raptors organization.
"Before we leave, I just want to show one of my brothers something," Drake announced to the crowd at the concert, via this ESPN article. "You know, my brother Kevin Durant was kind enough to come to the show tonight and watch us. I just want him to see what would happen if he came to play in Toronto. Let him know what would happen."
Durant then received an ovation from the crowd at Drake's OVO Fest last week, which then turned into a 'KD' chant. The Oklahoma City Thunder probably aren't thrilled with it, but they already know the reigning NBA MVP is considering his options for the summer of 2016 when he becomes a free agent. A number of teams have already been discussed as possible destinations for Durant, including the Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Brooklyn Nets.
And apparently the Toronto Raptors could be in play now. Although Drake's shout out to Durant wasn't in an official setting like Phil Jackson's violation - when he addressed the media about potentially hiring Derek Fisher as the New York Knicks' head coach while Fisher was still participating in the playoffs as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder - it's still relative because it's in the public realm.
Nonetheless, Durant is focused on winning a championship alongside the number of stars on the Oklahoma City Thunder as his impending free agency sits two years away.
