One of the intriguing narratives at this season’s previous deadline was the reported pursuit of the Golden State Warriors for Kevin Durant.
In an unforeseen circumstance, Kevin Durant suddenly emerged as a hot trade target before the February 6 deadline. And one of the teams interested in acquiring him were the Golden State Warriors.
This came amid the Warriors need to add more help around Steph Curry. But in the end, the planned reunion was immediately halted when the superstar forward himself, unwilling to join the team he left in 2018.
Kevin Durant is experiencing struggles of his own right now. He and the Phoenix Suns can’t catch a break as, currently outside the Play-In spots with a 26-28 card.
He didn’t also hide his frustrations about the unexpected appearance of his name in the trade mill in the wake of Phoenix’s zigzagging campaign
Many wondered if both Durant and the Warriors needed each other for one last attempt to be back on top again after winning back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018.
And while there are some who were disappointed by Durant’s decision, Stephen A. Smith meanwhile can’t entirely blame the future Hall of Famer.
“I don’t think it was a mistake for him because he doesn’t want to be there.
“From a basketball standpoint certainly, you should relish the opportunity to play with a great player like Steph Curry,” the ESPN personality told First Take.
“But Kevin Durant was there won back to back titles, would have won three straight had he not torn his Achilles.
“In the end, Kevin Durant left of his own volition, he no longer wanted to be there, and if you left a place and no longer wanted to be there, why would you turn around and go back to that?
“It just stands to reason that’s not going to happen.”
It was evident Kevin Durant did not want to go back to the Bay Area. Nevertheless, the Warriors appear comfortable with what they have right now despite failing to get his nod.
With Jimmy Butler playing impressively thus far for them following his messy exit from the Miami Heat, Golden State have found the key player they were looking for.
As for Durant, uncertainty continues to swirl, with NBA insider Brian Windhorst claiming he expects both sides to reconsider their future this summer with a break-up potentially on the table.
