In a stunning revelation on Jimmy Kimmel Live last Friday, Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green disclosed that a blockbuster trade to bring Kevin Durant back to the Warriors from the Phoenix Suns was nearly finalized. The news broke on the same night Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, adding to the NBA’s whirlwind of activity.
Green recounted the chaotic scene at a Warriors charity poker tournament, where he spoke with Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob just minutes before the Dončić trade news dropped. “Joe goes, ‘Draymond, I think we’re going to get Kevin Durant. It’s right there at the finish line. It’s happening. We’re getting Kevin Durant back,’” Green recalled. Excited, Green discussed the potential fit with Lacob, affirming it could work. However, Lacob quickly returned, urging Green to keep quiet, saying, “I wasn’t supposed to say anything. Don’t say nothing to nobody.”
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The moment took a comedic turn when, 15 minutes later, Stephen Curry shouted to Green about a trade, prompting Green to assume the Durant deal was done. When Curry clarified it was Dončić’s trade, Green backtracked, saying, “Oh, never mind, nobody.”
Further details emerged about the Warriors’ pursuit of Durant. According to Arizona Sports reporter John Gambadoro, the Suns fielded inquiries from multiple teams, including the Warriors, about Durant’s availability. Ultimately, the Warriors pivoted to acquire Jimmy Butler in a trade after Durant expressed reluctance to return to Golden State.
ESPN reported that Durant and Curry had a conversation where Durant emphasized his contentment in Phoenix, stating it “didn’t feel right” and “wasn’t the time” to relocate. Durant’s stance was relayed to the Warriors’ front office, halting the trade talks. In an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Durant clarified, “I never planned on leaving or moving or getting traded. I didn’t ask for a trade from Phoenix.” He directed questions about the trade rumors to the Suns’ front office.
On The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis, Durant elaborated on his reasoning, prioritizing control over his career’s end. “I want my career to end on my terms. That’s the only thing I’m worried about,” he told Green. He acknowledged the high cost of trading for a player of his caliber, noting that his contract and production would significantly impact any team. “Me just getting up and moving in the middle of the season, it’s going to be a big blow to any team I’m going to,” Durant explained. He concluded that a midseason move didn’t make sense for him, the Warriors, or the Suns, suggesting any decisions should wait until the offseason.
Durant’s history with the Warriors adds context to the near-reunion. From 2016 to 2019, he played for Golden State, winning two NBA championships and earning Finals MVP honors both times. Despite their successful past, the trade’s collapse underscores Durant’s desire to chart his own path as his career progresses.