When Kevin Durant joined the Golden State Warriors in 2016, he essentially tipped the balance in the league. After all, KD formed a super team with the Warriors that already had the trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
Despite being labeled a villain for the move, Durant walked away with two NBA Championships in 2019. Since then, the two sides have gone their separate ways. But what if KD reunites with the Warriors for one last dance?
Kevin Durant to the Warriors
As of now, both the Warriors and the Phoenix Suns have enjoyed a solid start to the 2024-25 NBA season. Both sides have a 6-1 record as the Suns are the second seed in the Western Conference while the Dubs are the third.
Keeping that in mind, it’s highly unlikely that either franchise will take the risk of ruining its current team dynamics. However, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes still deems Durant the Warriors’ “dream” trade target.
“If things go sideways in Phoenix, Golden State could pile its available first-rounders together with Kuminga and matching salary to make a reunion play for old pal Kevin Durant,” Hughes wrote. “The interpersonal dynamics would be tricky, but KD would give the Dubs the second star they currently lack.”
While it’s true that the Warriors lack a true second star right now, it isn’t holding back the team. Instead, it has allowed multiple players like Buddy Hield, Draymond Green, and Jonathan Kuminga to step up when required.
Moreover, the report is entirely based on the fact that the Warriors failed to agree with Kuminga on a contract extension. Kuminga will be a restricted free agent next summer. This means the Warriors can easily match any deal he receives from rivals in free agency.
Should the Warriors trade for Kevin Durant?
Durant’s return to the Warriors may sound intriguing on paper, but it isn’t a smart move. For starters, KD will be open to a huge backlash if he decides to return to his former team.
In addition, the Warriors will likely be unloading a plethora of future first-round picks alongside, at least, Kuminga in the deal. They could be required to add another young player like Moses Moody to further sweeten the deal for the Suns.
Let’s not forget the fact that Durant is already 36 years old. As good as the Slim Reaper is, he has struggled with injuries since leaving the Warriors. Durant played more than 70 games for the first time in his post-Warriors career last season.
Still, never say never. If Durant reunites with the Warriors, the goal will be to maximize the remaining time he has left in the league alongside Curry.
