Kevin Durant has dismissed recent trade rumours suggesting he could have been on his way back to the Golden State Warriors before the NBA trade deadline.
Reports indicated that the Warriors had explored a potential multi-team deal to reunite with the two-time Finals MVP, but Durant ultimately decided against it. Now, the Phoenix Suns star has set the record straight, making it clear that his decision was not about history with the Warriors but rather his commitment to his current team.
Durant’s Stance on the Trade Rumors
“I’ve always been focused on fulfilling my contract and seeing how things play out,” Durant said. “I try to take things one day at a time. The goal was always to compete for a championship with the Suns.”
While many speculated that Durant’s reluctance stemmed from the scrutiny he faced during his previous tenure with the Warriors, he shut down that narrative, insisting his decision had nothing to do with the past.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr even suggested that the backlash Durant endured from fans and media during his time in Golden State may have influenced his choice to reject the trade, but Durant made it clear that wasn’t the case. Instead, he expressed confidence in the Suns’ direction and his desire to remain part of their championship pursuit.
Durant’s History with the Warriors
Durant’s time in Golden State remains one of the most dominant stretches in NBA history. After leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016 to join the 73-win Warriors, Durant helped lead Golden State to three straight NBA Finals appearances, winning championships in 2017 and 2018 while earning Finals MVP honours both times.
His arrival made the Warriors nearly unstoppable, forming a juggernaut alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. However, despite the team’s success, Durant often faced criticism for joining a squad that had already won a championship and was fresh off a record-breaking regular season. Some questioned whether he truly earned his rings, and there were reports of tension between him and Green during his final season.
In 2019, Durant ruptured his Achilles in the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors, and the Warriors went on to lose the series. That summer, he opted to leave in free agency, signing with the Brooklyn Nets in a move many saw as his attempt to lead a championship team on his terms. His departure left some unfinished business between him and the Warriors organisation, but both sides have since expressed mutual respect for their time together.
Why a Reunion Was Unlikely
Even though the Warriors reportedly explored the idea of bringing Durant back to bolster their roster alongside Curry, the move never gained traction. Durant was firm in his desire to stay in Phoenix, where he has formed a potent trio with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The Suns, currently pushing for a deep playoff run, have invested heavily in their star core, and Durant believes in their ability to compete at the highest level.
With Durant off the table, the Warriors ultimately pivoted and made a blockbuster move for Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler in a multi-team trade before the deadline. Durant’s decision to reject the Warriors’ interest wasn’t about lingering issues from his past in Golden State—it was about the future he envisions in Phoenix. With his focus set on bringing a championship to the Suns, Durant is making it clear: he’s all in.
STORY BY SALIFU ZAKARI ZEBA
