Kevin Durant explains why a Warriors reunion never materialized.
Rockets’ Kevin Durant reveals why he wasn’t traded to Warriors last season originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Golden State Warriors made a huge splash before the 2024-25 trade deadline, acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. However, they initially had an opportunity to trade for a different superstar.
The Butler trade led Golden State to finish seventh in the West behind a 20-7 run after the All-Star break. The team enters the 2025-26 campaign with Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Butler leading the way, though the Warriors almost traded for 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant instead.
Durant revealed that the Warriors tried to trade for him after the Phoenix Suns expressed interest in moving him last season. However, he shot the idea down and was ultimately sent to the Houston Rockets in a historic seven-team trade this offseason.
MORE: NBA insider predicts Warriors' future with Steph Curry in latest power rankings
Kevin Durant gets honest about Warriors trade rumors
Durant recently recently spoke at CNBC’s Sport and Boardroom Game Plan on Sept. 16 with his longtime business partner Rich Kleiman, revealing why a trade to the Warriors never materialized
“I heard Golden State was in the mix around the trade deadline, but that’s when Rich came into play, and those relationships that we built around the league and also playing in Golden State helped,” Durant said. “We were able to tell them kind of hold off on that.”
Now, Durant is set to contend for a title with the Rockets, who have a strong mix of both veterans and rising stars.
While a reunion between the two-time NBA champion and Golden State is certainly an interesting concept, it does not appear to be one that will come to fruition anytime soon.
Durant is likely to sign an extension with Houston, and the Warriors have Curry, Green and Butler under contract through the 2026-27 season, when they’ll all be 36-plus years old.
MORE NBA NEWS:
- Celtics insider provides insight into Anfernee Simons trade rumors
- Mavericks' Klay Thompson prioritizing team chemistry ahead of 2025-26 season
- Rockets' owner reportedly pushing to bring WNBA franchise back to Houston
- Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors headline Bucks' future outlook
- Nuggets' Aaron Gordon discusses connection with Nikola Jokic
Category: Basketball
