The next thing all over your social media timeline will be the failed last-minute trades. Yes, the clock has struck the mark and the 2024/25 trade deadline is officially closed. Surely and disappointingly for many, there was no Kevin Durant back to the Warriors breaking news. KD was unable to finish the story, momentarily may it be. But amidst all this chaos, a significant-sized bean was spilled, courtesy of a very familiar face to the Bay Area.

Bob Myers was on NBA Today during the final hours of the trade deadline. Just 14 minutes before the deadline closed, the former Dubs GM dropped a huge piece of news on live TV that even had Brian Windhorst shook. “Memphis knows what he said, because that’s why they tried on Jimmy Butler. They tried on Kevin Durant. Problem is, this is what I hate saying, is like, those guys said no,” Myers told spontaneously.

The brief pause and the change of expression told that he was not supposed to break that then and there. “That was kind of just news that just came out of Bob’s mouth there, about Memphis and Kevin Durant,” Windhorst told in his amazement. Tough luck for the Grizzlies, none of the Butlers or Durants came their way ultimately.

Jimmy reportedly made it clear that he didn’t want to move to Memphis, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. Despite the franchise being among the top seeds in the West this season, Memphis couldn’t land either Jimmy or Durant. But what they did get is two second-round picks from the Wizards in exchange for Marcus Smart and a 2025 first-round pick. Jimmy too has found a new home with Durant turning down the same opportunity.

Kevin Durant’s rejection paved way for Jimmy Butler’s move to the Warriors

There were reports suggesting that the Warriors were eyeing a reunion with Kevin Durant, as they were in desperate need of a blockbuster trade. Even Windy confirmed that on Get UP. “There was a trade in place between Golden State, Phoenix, and Miami that would have returned Kevin Durant to Golden State,” he said. “But Durant stepped up and made it known he did not want a reunion.”

The plan was for a multi-team trade that would see Jimmy finally joining the Suns, following all the spark the potential link-up had created, while Durant would end up with the Warriors. However, some private discussions between Durant and Stephen Curry reportedly led to Curry believing that his former teammate wouldn’t be returning to Golden State.

But with Durant backing out, the Warriors shifted focus to Jimmy Butler, successfully completing the trade. Speculation now suggests they may use the veteran as a stepping stone for a bigger plan down the road.

With the trade deadline now behind us, the uncertainty has come to an end. The league will continue its course with the recent changes, and it will be intriguing to see how these moves unfold for the rest of the season.