The Warriors were expected to make a move as the trade deadline was approaching: there was no way the Dubs were going to contend for a title with the quality of players they currently have on the roster.
Before the Jimmy Butler trade was finalized, many thought Golden State would land Kevin Durant via a multi-team trade. Phoenix’s Big Three experiment isn’t working out, and the Suns may be desperate enough to want a change of scenery.
However, the Dubs decided to complete a trade for Jimmy Butler. Some may say the move is a last-ditch effort to push the Stephen Curry-led Golden State roster into another unlikely postseason run, but others may be wondering what happened to the rumors surrounding Durant.
A recent report reveals that Durant had no intention to make a Bay Area return, but not for the reasons some fans may think.
REPORT: Kevin Durant is happy with the Suns, not interested in moving elsewhere
Sports Illustrated’s Logan Struck confirmed that Mike Dunleavy and the Golden State front office had no chance of landing Durant:
“KD did NOT request a trade,” John Gambadoro reported. “He loves it in Phoenix [and] does not want to be traded.”
However, quoting Marc Stein, he wrote that the Slim Reaper is still not eager to reunite with Draymond Green. He wrote that KD was not eager to team up with the outspoken forward:
“Sources say there is a possibility, mind you, that Green could be a part of any multi-team trade construction that brings Durant back to Golden State … despite the fact that Green has long been regarded as all but off-limits in trade talks due to his very close relationship with Face of the Franchise Stephen Curry,” Stein reports.
Durant would have been the perfect costar for Steph Curry if the front office managed to convince the Baby-Faced Assassin to part ways with his long-time teammate. He’s averaging 26.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists for Phoenix. With Green being close to a non-factor in Golden State’s success recently, it would have made sense for the front office to make the trade.
However, the Warriors have made their bed and must lie in it. Dub Nation will be hoping that Butler will be able to step up for the team’s late postseason push and help Curry make an unlikely Finals run.
For More Content
Message me at c.alamodin.writes@gmail.com for questions and opportunities. Click here for more content about your favorite NBA, WNBA, and college basketball teams!
