Introduction
In a stunning revelation, reports have surfaced that the Golden State Warriors nearly orchestrated a blockbuster trade to bring back Kevin Durant before the NBA trade deadline. However, Durant ultimately declined the opportunity, leading to a shift in Golden State’s strategy. This article delves into the details of the proposed trade, the key players involved, and why it ultimately fell apart.
The Proposed Three-Team Trade
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne, the Warriors were deep in discussions for a three-team trade involving the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat. The deal would have sent Jonathan Kuminga to the Suns, with Miami’s Jimmy Butler also being a central figure in the exchange. The trade discussions even expanded to include the Washington Wizards in an attempt to finalize the details.
Under the reported framework:
The Warriors would have received Kevin Durant from the Suns.
The Suns would have acquired Jonathan Kuminga from the Warriors.
The Heat were in line to receive Andrew Wiggins, Cleveland’s 2025 first-round pick (via Phoenix), Dennis Schroder, and Kyle Anderson.
The Wizards would have obtained Jonas Valanciunas, along with a mix of first- and second-round draft picks from multiple teams.
Draft picks and pick swaps were also part of the proposed trade, with Phoenix set to receive additional compensation for parting ways with Durant.
Key Players Involved in the Trade Talks
Kevin Durant
Durant’s return to Golden State would have marked a shocking twist in his career. After helping the Warriors secure two NBA championships (2017, 2018), Durant left in 2019 for the Brooklyn Nets. With the Suns currently facing challenges in their championship aspirations, a trade back to the Warriors seemed like an intriguing possibility.
Jonathan Kuminga
Kuminga was the centerpiece of the Warriors’ offer to Phoenix. The young forward has shown significant promise in Golden State, making him an attractive trade asset. However, his camp reportedly believed he was on the verge of being dealt before the trade talks collapsed.
Jimmy Butler
The Miami Heat’s star was also heavily involved in the discussions. Had the trade materialized, Butler would have been sent to another contender, ending his tenure in Miami.
Andrew Wiggins & Supporting Players
Andrew Wiggins, a key part of the Warriors’ 2022 championship run, was also on the move in the proposed trade. Alongside him, Schroder and Anderson were included in Miami’s trade package to facilitate the deal.
Why the Trade Fell Apart
Despite advanced negotiations, the blockbuster deal ultimately fell through due to one major roadblock: Kevin Durant’s reluctance to return to Golden State. According to ESPN insiders, Durant had “no desire” to reunite with the Warriors, effectively shutting down the trade.
With Durant unwilling to greenlight the deal, the Warriors had no choice but to explore other options, leading them to pivot toward a different trade strategy.
Warriors’ Pivot to Jimmy Butler
Following the collapse of the Durant trade, Golden State quickly adjusted their approach. Instead of Durant, the Warriors set their sights on acquiring Jimmy Butler in a separate multi-team deal. This revised trade, which expanded to include five teams, was finalized just before the trade deadline.
The final five-team trade saw several major roster moves, but it lacked the magnitude of a Kevin Durant return. While Butler is an elite two-way player, the Warriors were initially aiming for a reunion with Durant, which would have drastically altered the NBA landscape.
Conclusion
The Golden State Warriors were on the brink of pulling off a massive trade to bring Kevin Durant back to the Bay Area. However, Durant’s unwillingness to return derailed the deal, forcing the Warriors to shift their focus elsewhere. Instead, Golden State pursued and ultimately completed a trade for Jimmy Butler.
While the Warriors remain in the playoff hunt, the missed opportunity to acquire Durant leaves fans wondering what could have been. The saga of Kevin Durant and the Warriors remains an intriguing chapter in NBA history, and it will be interesting to see how Golden State’s season unfolds following these trade deadline maneuvers.
