The NBA landscape is no stranger to seismic shifts, but few potential moves have sparked as much excitement and speculation as the whispers of Kevin Durant’s return to the Golden State Warriors. What was once a speculative rumor has now taken a concrete shape, sending shockwaves through the league. With Durant potentially rejoining Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the Warriors could be on the verge of assembling a trio of “monsters” that might dominate the NBA. But who, if anyone, can stop this powerhouse?
A Reunion That Redefines the Warriors
Kevin Durant’s tenure with the Golden State Warriors from 2016 to 2019 was nothing short of legendary. During his three seasons with the team, he helped secure two NBA championships and earned Finals MVP honors in both 2017 and 2018. His seamless integration into an already dominant lineup featuring Curry, Green, and Klay Thompson created one of the most formidable teams in NBA history. However, Durant’s departure in 2019, following a devastating Achilles injury and reported tensions, left fans wondering what could have been.
Fast forward to 2025, and the rumors of Durant’s return have gained significant traction. According to recent reports, the Phoenix Suns’ disappointing 2024-25 season, culminating in an 11th-place finish in the Western Conference, has fueled speculation about Durant’s future. The Warriors, fresh off a playoff exit against the Timberwolves, have shown clear interest in reuniting with their former star. Draymond Green’s humorous anecdote on Jimmy Kimmel Live about Warriors owner Joe Lacob inadvertently fueling Durant trade rumors only added to the buzz.
With Jimmy Butler’s midseason acquisition already elevating the Warriors’ roster, the potential addition of Durant alongside Curry and Green would create a trio capable of rewriting the NBA’s competitive balance. Curry’s unparalleled shooting, Green’s defensive tenacity, and Durant’s scoring versatility would form a near-unstoppable force. The question now is: who can challenge this juggernaut?
The Warriors’ New “Big Three”
Stephen Curry, at 37, remains the league’s premier sharpshooter, capable of dismantling defenses with his gravity-defying range. Draymond Green, the heart and soul of the Warriors’ defense, continues to orchestrate the team’s schemes with unmatched basketball IQ. Kevin Durant, still a top-tier scorer at 36, averaged 26.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game in the 2024-25 season, despite Phoenix’s struggles. Together, this trio combines championship experience, versatility, and star power that few teams can match.
The Warriors’ supporting cast, bolstered by players like Jonathan Kuminga and the newly acquired Jimmy Butler, adds depth and defensive grit. Butler’s playoff-proven leadership and two-way play complement the core trio, making Golden State a nightmare matchup. With Steve Kerr’s innovative coaching, the Warriors could return to their dynastic form, reminiscent of their 2017-2018 dominance.
Who Can Stop This Trio?
The NBA is not short on contenders, but stopping a Curry-Durant-Green trio would require a combination of elite talent, strategic coaching, and a bit of luck. Here are the teams best positioned to challenge the Warriors’ potential superteam:
1. Boston Celtics
The reigning Eastern Conference powerhouse, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, has the defensive versatility and offensive firepower to compete. With Jrue Holiday and Derrick White anchoring the perimeter, the Celtics could disrupt Curry’s rhythm, while Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis (when healthy) provide size to counter Durant. Boston’s championship pedigree and depth make them a formidable foe.
2. Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokić, the league’s premier big man, is a matchup nightmare in his own right. Paired with Jamal Murray’s clutch scoring and Aaron Gordon’s defensive flexibility, the Nuggets have the tools to challenge Golden State’s spacing and pace. Denver’s ability to control the tempo and exploit the Warriors’ lack of size in the paint could be key.
3. San Antonio Spurs
Rumors have linked Durant to the Spurs, where he could pair with Victor Wembanyama, the NBA’s rising star. If Durant stays in Phoenix or joins Golden State, the Spurs’ unique blend of length, youth, and Wembanyama’s generational talent could pose problems. Gregg Popovich’s coaching would ensure San Antonio maximizes its defensive potential to counter the Warriors’ offense.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
With Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George, the 76ers have the star power to go toe-to-toe with Golden State. Embiid’s dominance in the paint could exploit the Warriors’ lack of a true center, while Maxey’s speed and George’s two-way play could match up well against Curry and Durant. However, Philadelphia’s injury concerns could limit their ceiling.
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
The young, dynamic Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, have the depth and versatility to compete. Their fast-paced style and defensive length could disrupt Golden State’s rhythm. A potential Durant return to OKC has been floated as a redemption arc, but even without him, the Thunder’s rising stars make them a dark horse.
Challenges and Uncertainties
While the Warriors’ potential trio is daunting, it’s not without vulnerabilities. Durant’s injury history, including his 2019 Achilles tear, raises concerns about his durability at 36. The Warriors’ lack of a dominant big man could be exploited by teams with elite centers, like Denver or Philadelphia. Additionally, integrating Durant back into the Warriors’ system after years apart, especially with Butler’s ball-dominant style, could create chemistry issues.
Moreover, Durant’s reluctance to return midseason, as expressed in his conversation with Draymond Green, suggests he values stability. His comments about enjoying his time in Phoenix and his contract’s value indicate he may not be eager to jump ship immediately. However, the Suns’ organizational turmoil, including the firing of Mike Budenholzer and ongoing trade rumors, could push Durant to reconsider.
The NBA’s Next Chapter
If Kevin Durant returns to Golden State, the Warriors would instantly become the team to beat. The combination of Curry, Durant, and Green, supported by Butler and a talented roster, could usher in a new era of dominance. However, the NBA’s competitive depth ensures that challengers like the Celtics, Nuggets, and Spurs won’t go down without a fight.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Durant’s decision. Will he reunite with his former teammates to chase another ring, or will he seek a new challenge elsewhere? One thing is certain: the “return” of KD to the Warriors is no longer just a rumor—it’s a possibility that could reshape the NBA. Who will stop this trio of “monsters”? Only time will tell, but the league is bracing for an epic battle.