At the time Kevin Durant famously joined the Warriors in 2017, nobody in the NBA was seen as competition. The Slim Reaper provided the record-breaking side with back-to-back titles, helping them get over the nightmare 2016 loss. It seemed like a partnership destined to reign for ages. But KD left, not feeling part of the group. Despite his contentious exit, Steve Kerr didn’t have any malice in his heart. On the Dan Le Batard Show, he claimed coaching the four-time scoring champion was “incredible”. His admission along with the Suns’ current position has Benjamin Garcia thinking there could be a way the parties reunite.
While speaking on the Locked on Warriors podcast, the Suns enthusiast expanded on Durant’s “wanderer” nature. He has played for four teams in his career. However, not once has he revisited any destination. With the Warriors, he achieved his desire of wanting to compete in the Finals and win. Yet, Garcia believes his enigmatic character could open up any possibilities in the coming future.
“No, the door is not closed on Durant to head back to the warriors. The door is not closed for Durant to pack up and retire right now and go play in Thailand. The guy marches to the beat of his own drum. He’s a career wanderer,” Garcia said. “But if it doesn’t work out this year or if the Suns in the middle of February, close to the trade deadline, and they are the sixth seed in the west and it’s still not clicking and Coach Bud didn’t figure it out… And yeah, absolutely he could be traded off to the Warriors. He could be traded off to the Rockets,”.
The Dub Nation would probably not mind having the wiry great back on their books. Despite Matt Ishbia claiming KD will stay, the season could unfold a different storyline. Not only does Phoenix have one of the highest payrolls, but they haven’t had sufficient success in the postseason with Durant.
The farthest they have gone is a Conference Semifinal in Durant’s first season. As a franchise, if they aren’t in a suitable position in February, they could opt to reshuffle the deck. Durant is a tempting component for all teams across the league. But his joining the Warriors seems unlikely.
Why the Warriors won’t pursue Kevin Durant
A part of Durant’s 2019 exit from the Bay could be alluded to his incident with Draymond Green. They had a disgruntled relationship in that last year. The on-court spat came as the most glaring proof of the same. But Garcia still believes it won’t be a problem which he claimed on the show.
But what about the Warriors? Kerr was merely reminiscing, not crying out for help.
In the position the Warriors are placed in, their priority isn’t to compete immediately. With Curry’s one-year extension, it seems more of a process rather than an urgent affair. Even when their plans for Paul George and Lauri Markkanen failed, the Warriors front office didn’t make any hasty moves.
Obviously, the major reason is their wish to keep a young core intact. If there is ever a chase for their former provider, the Suns’ asking price won’t be cheap. Brandon Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga will most likely be non-negotiable. But why spoil something that showed flashes of immense development?
Podziemski could be a starter this season and the asks from Kuminga are bound to rise after the departure of Klay Thompson. Durant could drastically help the Warriors become instant contenders. Yet their foothold won’t be as strong as it was in 2017. They have lost integral pawns and the West has never been as stingy before.
So even if Durant might ever want the Warriors, it doesn’t make sense for the Bay to extend their hand.