The 14-time All-Star performed three seasons with the Warriors from 2016-17 by means of 2018-19. Golden State reached the NBA Finals all three seasons, successful twice. Durant was named Finals MVP each instances.
Durant was traded to the Suns in February 2023, the place he is performed the previous 2.5 seasons. This 12 months, he is appeared in 38 video games, averaging 26.9 factors on 52.5 % capturing, 6.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists per sport.
The Suns (25-23, eighth within the Western Convention) are solely a sport forward of Golden State within the standings. The crew’s core of Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal hasn’t clicked underneath head coach Mike Budenholzer, which may immediate the entrance workplace to make a change.
The Warriors (24-24, eleventh within the Western Convention) desperately want a star to pair with Curry. They’ve fallen out of title competition, and whereas buying Durant will not make them a severe risk to the Thunder atop the convention, it would make them a more durable out the remainder of the common season and maybe the play-in match.
On Monday afternoon, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported on “The Pat McAfee Present” that the Warriors “are legitimately calling about each All-Star participant. Simply title the All-Star … LeBron [James], gamers like Kevin Durant, gamers like Jimmy Butler.”
On Sunday, Butler reportedly informed Golden State he would not signal an extension with the franchise if traded there, possible snuffing out that avenue.
The Lakers have a elaborate new toy in Luka Doncic, however they in all probability would not half with James so quickly after making that splash. Nonetheless, we suppose something is feasible after that bombshell commerce, which additionally despatched Anthony Davis to the Mavericks.
With the 2025 commerce deadline set for Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, Golden State is operating out of time to finish a deal. It won’t have the identical impression as the primary time, however including Durant will surely trigger a splash.
