In a stunning revelation that has sent ripples through the NBA community, Draymond Green disclosed on Jimmy Kimmel Live that the Golden State Warriors nearly pulled off a blockbuster trade to bring Kevin Durant back from the Phoenix Suns during the 2024-25 NBA season. This near reunion of Warriors stars could have dramatically altered the landscape of the league, but ultimately, the deal fell through, leading the Warriors to acquire Jimmy Butler instead.
Green recounted the moment with vivid detail, sharing how Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob was visibly excited about the prospect of reuniting with Durant. “When it (Luka Doncic’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers) first happened, we were at a Warriors charity poker tournament,” Green said. “I had just saw (Warriors majority owner) Joe Lacob 10 minutes before this happened. Joe gets excited.” Lacob reportedly told Green, “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.” The anticipation was palpable, but Lacob quickly cautioned Green not to share the news, emphasizing secrecy with, “I wasn’t supposed to say anything. Don’t say nothing to nobody.”
About 15 minutes later, Steph Curry broke the news of Luka Doncic’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that was intertwined with the Warriors’ pursuit of Durant. This sequence of events underscored how close the Warriors were to finalizing the Durant trade.
Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro confirmed that the Suns received multiple inquiries about Durant, including from the Warriors. However, the Suns eventually traded for Jimmy Butler, and Durant made it clear he did not want to return to Golden State. ESPN reported that Durant spoke candidly with Curry, expressing his happiness in Phoenix and reluctance to be traded. Durant told Curry it “didn’t feel right” and that “it wasn’t the time” to move, a sentiment that was relayed to the Warriors’ front office.
Durant himself clarified the situation in an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, stating, “You gotta ask the front office about that. I mean I never planned on leaving or moving or getting traded. I didn’t ask for a trade from Phoenix.” This statement dispelled rumors that Durant had requested a trade, emphasizing his commitment to the Suns during that season.
Further elaborating on his stance during an episode of The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis, Durant explained why the mid-season move didn’t make sense for either party. “I want my career to end on my terms. That’s the only thing I’m worried about. I see a lot of dudes that don’t get the opportunity,” Durant said. “But as far as the Warriors, I didn’t want to move and a player like me, I cost a lot. Me going to your team, it’s going to be a whole new era to your team when I get to your team.”
He continued, “My contract and just my production, 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. It’s like, I get why y’all want to trade me and why y’all looking at it. It just doesn’t make sense for either side right now to go through it. We play the season out and if that’s the decision (the Suns) want to make in the offseason, then you figure it out. It’s just such a big change to make and I’ve been through it before and I’m like, that ain’t really it.”
Durant’s history with the Warriors is well-documented; he played for Golden State from 2016 to 2019, during which he won two NBA championships and was named Finals MVP twice. His potential return would have marked a significant chapter in both his career and the Warriors’ franchise history.
Despite missing out on Durant, the Warriors capitalized by acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, a move that helped Golden State secure the seventh seed in the playoffs. The team displayed resilience in the first round, defeating the Houston Rockets in a grueling seven-game series. The Rockets, known for their youthful core, pushed the Warriors to the limit, but Golden State’s experience and depth ultimately prevailed.
However, the Warriors’ playoff journey ended in the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves. A crucial factor was the strained hamstring injury suffered by Stephen Curry, which limited him to just one game in the series. Curry’s absence was a significant blow, and the Warriors couldn’t replicate their first-round success without their star point guard.
Reflecting on the postseason, Green admitted, “It’s hard to watch the games, still.” He revealed that his continued viewing was largely due to his responsibilities as a sports media figure. “I do, because I have to do the podcast. I wouldn’t watch it if it weren’t for the podcast.” This candid admission highlights the emotional toll that playoff disappointments can have on players, even after their active seasons conclude.
The near trade for Durant and the acquisition of Butler illustrate the Warriors’ aggressive approach to maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving Western Conference. While the Durant deal didn’t materialize, the Warriors’ willingness to pursue top-tier talent underscores their commitment to contending for championships.
As the offseason approaches, the Warriors will undoubtedly assess their roster and strategize for the future. Whether Durant revisits the possibility of joining Golden State or the team builds around Butler and Curry remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the Warriors’ pursuit of Durant was a significant storyline in the 2024-25 NBA season, reflecting the high stakes and complex dynamics of modern NBA trades.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Warriors navigate the offseason, eager to see how these developments shape the team’s trajectory. The saga of Kevin Durant and the Warriors serves as a compelling reminder of the intricate negotiations and personal decisions that define professional basketball at the highest level.
