It is hard to describe the 2024 NBA deadline as anything but historic. Whether it was former All-Stars, Dunk Contest Champions, superstar franchise point guards, driving forces to NBA Finals runs or even key rotational pieces, nearly every caliber of player was moved. And that is without including the bombshell Luka Doncic trade.
However, the transaction spree could have had a major reunion on its cards as well, if not for one player’s reluctance. We’re of course talking about Kevin Durant rejoining Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors. But, according to one senior NBA insider, that move might not be as dead as people might assume.
Kevin Durant Next Star on the Move?
A Durant trade has felt like a possibility for the past season and a half. Since Mat Ishbia took over as majority owner of the Phoenix Suns, he’s made a slew of moves to rework the franchise in his mold. Trading Durant feels like the final step in that process.
According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst, the move is coming, potentially as soon as next offseason. Speaking on “NBA Today,” he had the latest development on the Durant and Suns front. “They’re gonna trade him. And he knows that.”
“He’s actually given them — There could have been a couple of opportunities where he criticized them for trying to trade him. He hasn’t done that. He has been very professional about this and I expect that to continue throughout the rest of the regular season.
“He’s gonna try to win every game he’s out there. Then in the offseason, he sort of gave himself a little ad there, he said, ‘Whatever team gets me, you know I’m gonna make a difference. I’m still in my prime.’ So, I think he’s handled this very appropriately.”
Of course, all this comes on the back of a trade deadline where there was a reported deal for Durant to return to the Warriors. However, the near-7-footer himself vetoed the move, instead opting to remain in Phoenix.
Later, he made an appearance on “The Draymond Green Show” and explained his mindset for saying no to a reunion. “I didn’t wanna move. Like me as a player, I cost a lot, me going into your team in the middle of the season, it’s gonna be a big blow to any team I’m going to.”
“I didn’t want to move and I get why you want to trade me, 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 off-season then we figure it out”@KDtrey5 explains why he vetoed the Suns-Warriors… pic.twitter.com/1Gfa3uJKZN
— The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis (@DraymondShow) February 26, 2025
However, he did leave the door open, as Windhorst mentioned, for a potential move down the road in the offseason. “I get why you want to trade me, simple fact that’s business…We can play the season out and if that’s the decision you want to make in the offseason then we figure it out.”
With the Suns looking for a reset and Durant essentially giving them the green light, the first few weeks of the offseason could bring with it bombshell news about the two-time NBA Champion going to his next, and potentially last, team.
