The 14-time All-Star performed three seasons with the Warriors from 2016-17 by 2018-19. Golden State reached the NBA Finals all three seasons, profitable twice. Durant was named Finals MVP each instances.
Durant was traded to the Suns in February 2023, the place he is performed the previous 2.5 seasons. This 12 months, he is appeared in 38 video games, averaging 26.9 factors on 52.5 p.c taking pictures, 6.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists per recreation.
The Suns (25-23, eighth within the Western Convention) are solely a recreation forward of Golden State within the standings. The crew’s core of Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal hasn’t clicked underneath head coach Mike Budenholzer, which might immediate the entrance workplace to make a change.
The Warriors (24-24, eleventh within the Western Convention) desperately want a star to pair with Curry. They’ve fallen out of title competition, and whereas buying Durant will not make them a severe menace to the Thunder atop the convention, it can make them a harder out the remainder of the common season and maybe the play-in match.
On Monday afternoon, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported on “The Pat McAfee Present” that the Warriors “are legitimately calling about each All-Star participant. Simply title the All-Star … LeBron [James], gamers like Kevin Durant, gamers like Jimmy Butler.”
On Sunday, Butler reportedly instructed Golden State he would not signal an extension with the franchise if traded there, doubtless snuffing out that avenue.
The Lakers have a elaborate new toy in Luka Doncic, however they most likely would not half with James so quickly after making that splash. Nonetheless, we suppose something is feasible after that bombshell commerce, which additionally despatched Anthony Davis to the Mavericks.
With the 2025 commerce deadline set for Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, Golden State is working out of time to finish a deal. It may not have the identical affect as the primary time, however including Durant would definitely trigger a splash.
