Home/NBA

via Imago

via Imago

A Warrior’s homecoming. This is everything the Dub Nation wanted. This is everything the Dub Nation needed. But sadly, the front office failed to keep their words and ambitions on track. No, Kevin Durant won’t be wearing the Golden State Warriors jersey again, as he did from 2016 to 2019. Instead, it’s Jimmy Butler who’ll be playing alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. So, no homecoming, and no reunion. Sad, right?

But wait, ESPN’s veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith might have something to say about Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s unfulfilled dream. It’s safe to say, the Slim Reaper wasn’t particularly invested in reuniting with his ex-team. What?

So, on The Stephen A. Smith Show, SAS noted: “Kevin Durant has spoken. So folks could stop speaking for him. And Kevin Durant stated emphatically that he has absolutely positively no interest in returning to the Golden State Warriors.” That sounds and seems like a shocking nightmare. The 36-year-old superstar didn’t want to go back to the Bay Area.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Marc Stein’s report suggests that this disinterest was, indeed, enough for the Warriors to halt their pursuit of Durant. Per the report, they shifted their focus to acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Heat.

via Imago

This is the same team he helped win back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018. He played with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and others. Smith adds: “He would have three-peated with ease had he not torn his Achilles.” 

At the same time, ESPN’s senior insider Brian Windhorst also backed the matter saying: “Durant stepped up and made it known that he did not want a reunion.” And therefore, once that deal with the Phoenix Suns went out of the window, the Heat came into the picture and Jimmy Butler landed himself a contract with the Dubs.

Moreover, Kevin Durant isn’t keen on a Warriors reunion, and it’s not hard to see why. His Golden State days brought rings and Finals MVPs, but that team is long gone. Klay is out, Draymond isn’t the same, and Steph is aging. Plus, his first stint wasn’t all sunshine. Now, the Warriors are just fighting for a playoff spot. Why go back?

But, oddly enough, there isn’t so much joy around given Butler’s entry into the Warriors scenes. Maybe, the fans were hoping for a known face, precisely Kevin Durant to walk back into the Chase Center, but not as rivals, but as the homeboy instead.

What’s your perspective on:

Is Jimmy Butler the right fit for the Warriors, or is Dub Nation still longing for Durant?

Have an interesting take?

No Kevin Durant trade brings wrath upon Mike Dunleavy Jr.

A fan called out the Warriors GM saying: “Mike Dunleavy Jr gotta be the worst GM in the league.” Well, that might be a stretch to call him the worst. But, given how the fans were hoping to see Kevin Durant back into the Dubs locker room, this sentiment truly makes sense. There were reports that the front office was aggressively pursuing the Suns star, hoping for a return. But instead, now they have Butler with a two-year extension with the team. 

Mike Dunleavy Jr. once again proving why he is the worst GM in the league. Let me consider every possibly thing and then actually you know what, I’m good with our 25-24 MID team, so let’s DO NOTHING to win a championship. Dude will be gone in a year or two. Dude is all talk.” This has to be one of the most brutal comments out there.

Undoubtedly, the front office has upset the fans. Yes, the GM has good relations with Butler, but given his records with every team he’s been on, this trade seems risky. The fans have always questioned the 6x All-Star’s availability and loyalty towards the franchises. What if Butler fails the Warriors like he failed the Heat? Are the Dubs in such a position to risk things? Surely not. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Meanwhile, someone asked: “Wtf is Jimmy Butler doing for the Warriors lol?” For now, he’s on the roster with a two-year extension deal. He’s found his way out of the Miami Heat. And he’s going to play alongside Stephen Curry. However, the discontent Mike Dunleavy Jr. has evoked in the hearts of Dub Nation after this deal is concerning. If things don’t work out they way he’s envisioning, it could turn into major trouble.

via Imago

Another NBA fan asked a simple question: “So Jimmy Butler turns the 11th seed into title contenders?” Sounds unreal, to be honest. But, given the present situation, maybe this was the best that Mike Dunleavy Jr. could do for his team. He is offering the star a two-year, $121 million extension to remain under contract with Golden State through the 2026-27 season. That’s surely a long shot at the championship dreams. At the same time, one of the fans has an idea for KD.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Meanwhile, another fan noted: “Brooklyn Nets the only team KD would return to.” This might be true. Brandon Robinson aka ScoopB of That Player Trust has reported that Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant would love to be teammates again one day. Absolutely not surprising. Both stars have a symphony during their time at the Nets, and to see it getting recreated again, would be such a delight.

Thus amidst the highs and lows of the league and the thrill of the trade market, Jimmy Butler finally finds his way out of the Miami Heat. However, the Warriors’ deal for him has sent NBA fans into a frenzy, and critics are slamming the GM. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant expresses his true intentions and loyalty toward the Phoenix Suns. This is nothing less than a thriller series!

Have something to say?

Let the world know your perspective.

ADVERTISEMENT

0
  Debate

Debate

Is Jimmy Butler the right fit for the Warriors, or is Dub Nation still longing for Durant?

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT