The Golden State Warriors have been a powerhouse in the NBA for nearly a decade, marked by championships, record-breaking seasons, and a style of play that revolutionized the game. Yet, in the 2023 offseason, the Warriors had a unique opportunity to add another chapter to their storied history—one that could have redefined their trajectory and created one of the most captivating storylines in the NBA. Instead, they opted for continuity over a seismic shift, leaving fans and analysts pondering what could have been.
The missed opportunity centered around the potential acquisition of Kevin Durant, who had departed the Brooklyn Nets for the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster trade. The idea of Durant rejoining the Warriors, where he won two titles and solidified his legacy, created a buzz throughout the league. Bringing Durant back to the Bay Area would have been a bold move that many believed could secure Golden State’s status as a perennial contender for years to come. While it would have required significant roster restructuring, including potential sacrifices like trading young assets and draft picks, the narrative possibilities were enticing.
First and foremost, Durant’s return would have completed a full-circle story. Durant initially left Golden State after the 2019 Finals to forge his own path, seeking validation outside the shadow of Stephen Curry and the Warriors’ established culture. His time in Brooklyn, however, was marred by injuries, internal conflict, and ultimately, an unsuccessful bid for a championship. A reunion with Golden State could have represented redemption for Durant and a chance for the Warriors to recreate the superteam magic that defined their dominance from 2017 to 2019. It would have been a storyline of unfinished business and second chances, drawing eyes and interest from fans worldwide.
From a basketball perspective, the pairing of Durant with Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green would have created a formidable lineup capable of challenging any team. While there would be questions about roster depth and how the Warriors’ front office could fit Durant’s max salary under the cap, the upside was undeniable. A team built around Curry’s shooting, Durant’s scoring versatility, and Green’s defensive leadership would have put them on par with, if not ahead of, other Western Conference powerhouses like the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns.
Instead, the Warriors chose a different path. Rather than pursuing Durant or any other significant trade, they doubled down on their existing core and added veteran guard Chris Paul in a move that surprised many. While Paul’s leadership and playmaking skills bring a different dynamic to the Warriors’ roster, it lacks the intrigue and potential seismic shift that Durant’s return would have created. Paul’s age and injury history also make this a high-risk, short-term move, in contrast to the larger-than-life impact that Durant’s arrival could have had.
The decision to stay the course may ultimately keep the Warriors competitive in the immediate future, but it misses out on the chance to reignite the superteam era in Golden State. It leaves the Suns, with their new-look roster including Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, as the team with a revamped storyline and a target on their backs in the Western Conference.
For fans, the Warriors’ choice reflects a team at a crossroads between embracing its veteran identity or trying to recapture the magic of the past. It raises questions about their commitment to competing at the highest level while balancing the development of younger talents like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody. The what-ifs linger—what if the Warriors had taken the risk? Could they have set the stage for another dominant run in the twilight of Stephen Curry’s prime?
Ultimately, the Warriors’ decision is a calculated one, but it may not hold the same allure as a Durant reunion would have brought. As the 2023-2024 NBA season unfolds, Golden State will aim to prove that their faith in continuity was the right choice. But the missed opportunity to create one of the league’s biggest storylines will remain a captivating chapter in the NBA’s ongoing saga of trades, rivalries, and what might have been. For now, fans can only imagine the ripple effects a reunion with Durant could have sent through the NBA landscape.