Kevin Durant recently opened up about why a potential trade to the Golden State Warriors last season did not materialize, guiding the narrative around a missed opportunity for his former team. Despite the Warriors’ notable acquisition of Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat before the 2024-25 trade deadline, a path was also momentarily paved for Durant’s return to the Bay Area.
The Phoenix Suns had shown an openness to moving Durant, which spurred the Warriors’ interest. However, Durant, leveraging his strong ties and influence within the league, particularly from his previous stint with Golden State, chose to redirect his path. This decision saw him eventually join the Houston Rockets in a groundbreaking seven-team trade.
Durant, in conversation with his business ally Rich Kleiman, shed light on the situation, highlighting the role of seasoned relationships and past experiences with the Warriors in putting a halt to the trade discussions. “We were able to tell them kind of hold off on that,” Durant said, underscoring the sway he and Kleiman had over trade dynamics.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, the Warriors are marching forward with a solid trio — Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and their new addition, Butler — leaving behind the fleeting possibility of Durant’s comeback. Meanwhile, Durant is poised to drive the Rockets toward championship contention, supported by a robust blend of experienced players and budding talent.
While the notion of a Durant-Warriors reunion tantalizes fans, it appears off the table for the foreseeable future. Both Durant and the core Golden State players are likely to remain with their respective teams until at least the 2026-27 season. Durant is expected to extend his commitment to Houston, while the Warriors are firmly vested in their current assembly, which includes seasoned All-Stars Curry, Green, and Butler.