The NBA world was left reeling after Kevin Durant revealed just how close he came to reuniting with the Golden State Warriors at last season’s trade deadline. Speaking at the CNBC Sport and Boardroom Game Plan on September 16, the two-time NBA Finals MVP shed light on the intricate trade talks and the pivotal role his business partner, Rich Kleiman, played in halting a potential blockbuster deal.
A Blockbuster Trade That Almost Was
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne, the Warriors were prepared to pull out all the stops to bring Durant back to Golden State, where he won two championships and two Finals MVP awards from 2016 to 2019. The proposed deal was a complex multi-team framework involving the Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, and Washington Wizards. The trade would have seen the Warriors part with young star Jonathan Kuminga, two first-round picks, and a second-round pick, while receiving Durant in return. The Heat would have acquired Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schröder, Kyle Anderson, and a 2025 first-round pick from Cleveland (via Phoenix), with additional assets like Jonas Valančiūnas and pick swaps heading to the Suns.
“I heard Golden State was in the mix around the trade deadline, but that’s when Rich came into play,” Durant told the audience. “Those relationships that we built around the league and also playing in Golden State helped. We were able to tell them kind of hold off on that.”
Why Durant Pulled the Plug
For Durant, the decision to nix the trade wasn’t just about loyalty or sentiment—it was about practicality. The 36-year-old superstar, who is still performing at an elite level, recognized that a midseason trade of his magnitude would have gutted the Warriors’ roster and future assets, leaving them in a precarious position.
“I get why y’all want to trade me… that’s just business,” Durant said on The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis in February. “But from me looking at it, it just doesn’t make sense for either side right now to go through that. It’s just such a big change to make and I’ve been through it before. I was like damn, that’s not really it. If I can stop it, then why not?”
Durant emphasized the toll that blockbuster trades take on a team’s depth and chemistry. “A player like me costs a lot,” he explained. “Going into your team is gonna be a whole new era… and that’s a lot of work through the season. 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.”
Warriors Pivot to Jimmy Butler
With Durant’s return off the table, the Warriors quickly pivoted, acquiring six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler in a separate multi-team deal. The trade saw Wiggins shipped out but allowed Golden State to retain Kuminga, a key piece of their future. Butler’s arrival initially paid off, as the Warriors surged in the Western Conference standings and reached the semifinals. However, a hamstring injury to Stephen Curry derailed their playoff hopes, leaving fans wondering about the road not taken with Durant.
A Different Future for Golden State
Durant’s decision to stay in Phoenix has left the Warriors at a crossroads. While Butler’s addition provided a spark, the team now faces uncertainty surrounding Kuminga’s contract negotiations. The 22-year-old forward has blossomed into one of the league’s most promising young talents, but his future with the franchise remains unclear as both sides navigate a tense standoff over a new deal.
For Warriors fans, the “what-ifs” linger. A reunion with Durant could have paired one of the greatest scorers in NBA history with Curry once again, potentially reigniting the dynasty that dominated the league in the late 2010s. Instead, Golden State is betting on its young core and Butler’s tenacity to carve out a new path forward.
Durant’s Legacy and the NBA Landscape
Durant’s revelation underscores the delicate balance of power in the NBA, where personal relationships and strategic decisions can reshape entire franchises. By leaning on his business partner and his own instincts, Durant not only altered the Warriors’ trajectory but also reaffirmed his agency in navigating his career.
As the NBA continues to evolve, Durant’s choice serves as a reminder that even the most tantalizing trades don’t always make sense on paper—or on the court. For now, the Warriors and their fans are left to ponder a future without Durant, while the league watches closely to see how both sides move forward in this ever-changing landscape.