Kevin Durant has shot down experiences that he turned down a reunion with the Warriors forward of the Feb. 6 commerce deadline.
In an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Durant revealed he was in opposition to being “traded halfway via the season” and that he harbors no unwell emotions in opposition to the Warriors, the franchise he helped win two titles in 2017 and 2018. Durant left Golden State for Brooklyn in 2019 after enduring a career-threatening Achilles harm.
Following Durant’s exit from San Francisco, a number of analysts blamed the Warriors for misdiagnosing his harm and speeding him again within the 2019 NBA Finals. As such, it was broadly presumed that he had no intention to return to Golden State based mostly on how his harm was dealt with. Nonetheless, Durant’s newest feedback counsel in any other case, leaving the door open for his potential reunion with Stephen Curry and Co.
Durant additionally seemingly left the door open for a commerce to a different workforce. When requested if he’d be open to switching groups this summer season, Durant stated he understands the enterprise of the NBA, and would not be shocked if the Suns make him obtainable in commerce talks.
“I did not ask for a commerce from Phoenix,” Durant advised ESPN. “However, clearly, if you pay a lot for a workforce and we’re not taking part in as much as our expectation, somebody has to go. In all probability ought to verify in with these guys within the entrance workplace all through the remainder of the season to see how they’re feeling in regards to the workforce. I do know I’ll attempt to preserve bringing my finest each single day. I am going to let the higher-ups give attention to what’s subsequent.”
As Durant alluded, the Suns have the highest payroll within the NBA and discover themselves because the eleventh seed within the West. The Suns’ subpar return on funding is why NBA insiders anticipate the franchise to commerce Durant or doubtlessly blow up the roster this offseason.
