Kevin Durant Reveals Why He Rejected a Trade Back to the Warriors

The Golden State Warriors made a major push to acquire Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns ahead of the NBA trade deadline, hoping for a blockbuster reunion with their former superstar. However, Durant declined the opportunity, choosing to stay in Phoenix rather than rejoin Draymond Green and his former championship squad.

As a result, the Warriors pivoted and landed Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, while Durant remains with the struggling Suns—at least for now.

Many speculated that Durant’s hesitation stemmed from his past tension with Green, which contributed to his departure from Golden State in 2019. Despite winning two NBA championships together and being on the verge of a third before injuries derailed the 2019 NBA Finals, Durant and Green’s relationship was rocky, with public clashes that made headlines.

Durant’s Candid Conversation with Draymond Green

To set the record straight, Durant appeared on The Draymond Green Show alongside Baron Davis, opening up about why he rejected the Warriors’ trade offer this time around.

“I didn’t want to move,” Durant explained. “I understand why you want to trade me. That’s business. But for me, looking at it… we can play the season out, and if that’s the decision you want to make in the offseason, then we figure it out.”

Durant’s comments align with what he’s said publicly in recent weeks about the Suns’ trade talks. However, hearing him say it directly to Green adds another layer of intrigue. While Durant insists his decision was based on stability and timing, many NBA fans remain skeptical given the history between the two stars.

Did the “Narrative” Influence Durant’s Decision?

Durant acknowledged that a mid-season trade to Golden State would have created massive media attention, reigniting old narratives about him chasing rings and his ability to lead a team on his own.

“It would have been crazy,” Durant admitted. “All the noise, the narratives. I didn’t want to make that big of a move in-season. I wanted to see it through in Phoenix.”

Despite Durant’s explanation, some NBA analysts and fans aren’t convinced. Many believe that his reluctance to rejoin Draymond Green played a bigger role in his decision than he’s willing to admit.

What’s Next for Kevin Durant and the Suns?

While the Warriors are thriving with their new addition Jimmy Butler, the Suns are struggling, and their postseason hopes are dwindling. Phoenix recently suffered a heartbreaking 151-148 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, with Durant missing multiple game-tying three-pointers in the final moments.

The Suns’ record now stands at 27-31, placing them 2.5 games behind the Sacramento Kings for the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference. If Phoenix doesn’t turn things around quickly, they risk missing even the play-in tournament, a shocking outcome given their star-studded lineup featuring Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.

Many NBA experts are questioning whether this Suns roster can succeed as currently constructed. Despite their individual star power, the team lacks chemistry and defensive depth, making them look more like a disjointed superteam than a true title contender.

Will Durant Request a Trade in the Offseason?

If the Suns continue to struggle, it’s almost inevitable that Durant trade rumors will resurface during the offseason. On the podcast, Durant himself hinted that his long-term future in Phoenix isn’t guaranteed.

“I want to end my career on my terms,” Durant said, suggesting that he’s not fully committed to Phoenix for the remainder of his career.

With that in mind, potential suitors for Durant in the offseason could include teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, and Miami Heat, among others. Even though Durant will turn 36 this year, he remains one of the best scorers in the league, making him a valuable asset for teams looking to make a championship push.

Did the Warriors Dodge a Bullet?

While some Warriors fans were hoping for a Durant reunion, others breathed a sigh of relief when the trade didn’t happen. Instead, the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler, a player known for his defensive toughness, leadership, and playoff intensity.

So far, Butler has fit seamlessly into the Warriors’ system, helping them climb the standings and solidify their playoff hopes. Meanwhile, Durant’s Suns continue to struggle, raising the question—did the Warriors dodge a bullet by not bringing KD back?

Durant Addresses the Rumors Head-On

Ever since the Warriors expressed interest in bringing Durant back, the NBA world buzzed with speculation. The most talked-about theory was that KD’s past conflicts with Draymond Green influenced his decision. Their infamous on-court argument during the 2018-19 season, which many believe contributed to Durant’s initial departure, remains a focal point in discussions about their relationship. However, Durant downplayed these rumors, emphasizing that his choice was more about basketball strategy rather than personal history.

“I didn’t want to move, and I get why you want to trade me,” Durant told Green. “Simple fact, that’s business, but for me looking at it… we can play the season out, and if that’s the decision you want to make in the offseason, then we figure it out.”

His comments make it clear that he wasn’t against the idea of a reunion with Golden State; he just didn’t believe that an in-season trade was the right move. Given how frequently Durant has changed teams in recent years, this decision could also reflect his desire to have more control over his career trajectory instead of being at the center of yet another blockbuster trade.

The Legacy of Durant and Green

Regardless of what happens next, the history between Durant and Green remains one of the most fascinating storylines in modern NBA history. From winning championships together to high-profile conflicts, their dynamic has been both successful and controversial.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Durant and the Suns to see whether they can salvage their playoff hopes—or if another blockbuster trade request is just around the corner.

One thing is for sure: Kevin Durant’s decision to stay in Phoenix hasn’t silenced the noise—it has only fueled more speculation about his future.