The Golden State Warriors reportedly explored a trade for Kevin Durant with the Phoenix Suns ahead of the deadline, but the 15-time All-Star resisted the move, preferring to stay with Phoenix through the end of the season, as revealed by ESPN’s Shams Charania. Durant, who previously won back-to-back titles and Finals MVP awards with the Warriors in 2017 and 2018, left the team in 2019 to join the Brooklyn Nets before being traded to the Suns in 2023 to partner with Devin Booker.
New details from ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk highlight Durant’s reluctance to reunite with Golden State. Sources indicate the two-time NBA champion felt a return to the Warriors “didn’t align” with his current path, emphasizing his commitment to Phoenix.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who worked with Durant during his initial tenure in Golden State, voiced support for the star’s decision.
“I completely understand why Kevin wouldn’t want to revisit that chapter here,” Kerr told ESPN.
“He faced relentless criticism when he first joined us—people called it a bandwagon move. Even after dominating and winning two Finals MVPs, the negativity never stopped. Why would he willingly step back into that spotlight?”
Durant’s choice underscores his desire to avoid revisiting past controversies while focusing on his journey with the Suns.
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