ESPN’s Zach Lowe on the show “Get Up” wondered if Kevin Durant’s signing with the Golden State Warriors was the worst thing to happen in his career. Despite winning two Finals and two Finals MVPs, KD may not have received the credit he deserved due to the team’s dominance.
Furthermore, since leaving the Dubs in 2019, Kevin Durant has not advanced past the second round of the playoffs. His teams have been swept in the first round twice, including a recent loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
I think he’s realized that, his people realized that, he feels that, and he’s been a wayward soul since that. I wonder, if he went back to that moment and Golden State was not an option for him, if he could have made his own path in a way that was more sustainable. Zach Lowe said
Unfortunately, Durant has surrounded himself with flawed co-stars and an odd roster. The Phoenix Suns, his current team, have limited maneuverability to improve due to over $150 million annually tied up in Durant, Devin Booker , and Bradley Beal’s contracts.
Lowe’s comments suggest that Durant’s career may have taken a different path if he hadn’t joined the Warriors, potentially leading to more sustainable success and recognition. Durant’s continued struggles in the playoffs raise questions about his legacy and ability to lead a team to championship success without a dominant team like the Warriors.
Kevin Durant back to the Golden State Warriors proposed
The Golden State Warriors were rumored to be interested in trading for Kevin Durant when he requested a trade while he was on the books of the Brooklyn Nets, but the Phoenix Suns ultimately acquired him. However, a recent hypothetical trade scenario proposed by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley suggests that the door may not be entirely closed on a move back to the Dubs.
The hypothetical trade would send Durant back to the Warriors in exchange for Andrew Wiggins , Jonathan Kuminga , Moses Moody , and two first-round picks, including the No. 1 pick. While this scenario is unlikely, especially given the Warriors’ low chances of winning the lottery, the team may still inquire about Durant’s availability this summer.
However, it seems that the Suns have no intention of moving on from Durant anytime soon, making a reunion with the Warriors unlikely. Still, the idea of Durant returning to the team where he won two championships is an intriguing one, and would certainly be a wild development in the NBA offseason.