Kevin Durant has shot down reports that he turned down a reunion with the Warriors forward of the Feb. 6 commerce deadline.
In an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Durant revealed he was in opposition to being “traded halfway by means of the season” and that he harbors no in poor health emotions in opposition to the Warriors, the franchise he helped win two titles in 2017 and 2018. Durant left Golden State for Brooklyn in 2019 after enduring a career-threatening Achilles harm.
Following Durant’s exit from San Francisco, a number of analysts blamed the Warriors for misdiagnosing his harm and speeding him again within the 2019 NBA Finals. As such, it was extensively presumed that he had no intention to return to Golden State based mostly on how his harm was dealt with. Nevertheless, Durant’s newest feedback recommend in any other case, leaving the door open for his potential reunion with Stephen Curry and Co.
Durant additionally seemingly left the door open for a commerce to a different group. When requested if he’d be open to switching groups this summer season, Durant mentioned he understands the enterprise of the NBA, and would not be shocked if the Suns make him obtainable in commerce talks.
“I did not ask for a commerce from Phoenix,” Durant instructed ESPN. “However, clearly, whenever you pay a lot for a group and we’re not taking part in as much as our expectation, somebody has to go. Most likely ought to examine in with these guys within the entrance workplace all through the remainder of the season to see how they’re feeling in regards to the group. I do know I’ll attempt to preserve bringing my greatest each single day. I will let the higher-ups concentrate on what’s subsequent.”
As Durant alluded, the Suns have the highest payroll in the NBA and discover themselves because the eleventh seed within the West. The Suns’ subpar return on funding is why NBA insiders expect the franchise to trade Durant or doubtlessly blow up the roster this offseason.