Prior to acquiring Jimmy Butler last week, the Golden State Warriors almost facilitated a comeback for Kevin Durant, their ex-star who clinched two NBA titles with them in 2017 and 2018. The Warriors were engaged in discussions with the Phoenix Suns about a potential trade for Durant, but the deal fell through as Durant was not keen on rejoining the Warriors.
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Although Durant declined the chance to reunite with Golden State, Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr expressed complete understanding of his decision, especially considering the backlash Durant faced in 2016 for joining what many called a “super team” to win his first championship.
“I completely get why Kevin wouldn’t want to go through that again here,” Kerr said in an interview with Ohm Youngmisuk from ESPN. “He was heavily criticized for supposedly ‘jumping on the bandwagon,’ and even after being the Finals MVP two years in a row, he still faced criticism.”
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Steph Curry also mentioned that there are “no hard feelings” or “resentment” because Durant chose not to return.
“It’s crucial for everyone to be fully committed, regardless of past connections,” Curry explained to ESPN. “I respect KD… It’s important that someone genuinely wants to be part of a place. Beyond that, I’m not interested in persuading anyone to stay where they don’t feel at home.”
Durant and Curry are set to have a brief reunion in the Bay Area this weekend, as they team up for “Shaq’s OGs” in the All-Star Game.
Instead of Durant, the Warriors secured Butler before the trade deadline, and have posted a 3-1 record since his arrival. Kerr has commended Butler for the energy he brings to the team, and Draymond Green has described him as a “franchise changer” following their recent victory over the Rockets.
“In the end, things probably turned out the way they were meant to,” Kerr remarked to ESPN. “For Jimmy, it’s a new beginning. For us, it’s a fresh dynamic and a new look. Kevin wasn’t feeling a reunion, so it wouldn’t have been right for him or for us if he wasn’t fully on board.”
“We would have been delighted with either Kevin or Jimmy. But I think everything worked out the way it should have,” Kerr added.
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