Kevin Durant’s days in Phoenix might be numbered, and he’s well aware of it. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst didn’t hold back on NBA Today, saying the Suns are set to trade KD this offseason—and he knows that. Now, the Warriors talk? It’s out there (yes, once again). Durant hasn’t slammed the door on a reunion, but let’s be real—this isn’t as simple as a homecoming story.

Money is a massive hurdle. Golden State’s payroll is already sky-high, and squeezing KD in would mean gutting their depth or shipping out young talent. Even Durant himself knows a trade like this isn’t plug-and-play, but he’s up for it. Any team bringing him in, especially a contender, has to shake things up.

“I get why y’all want to trade me… it’s just business,” he admitted on The Draymond Green Podcast With Baron Davis. However, he doesn’t see the logic in shaking things up mid-season. If a deal needs to happen, Durant believes that’s an offseason decision.

“I cost a lot. It’s going to be a whole new era of your team when I get to your team. That’s a lot of work. I am still of value, especially with my contract and my production that me just getting up and moving in the season it’s going to be a big blow to any team I’m going to,” the ‘Slim Reaper’ further elaborated in the pod. And now Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob addressed the swirling rumors about Kevin Durant’s potential return to the Bay Area.

Lacob acknowledged hearing the comments but urged caution when interpreting such statements. “I heard that, obviously. But Jimmy Butler also said he didn’t want to be part of the Warriors, so I think you have to take with a grain of salt when you hear something,” Lacob said.

He emphasized that while Durant’s words hold weight, motives often play a role in trade discussions while appearing on The TK Show.

“When you hear it directly from Mr. Durant… I guess you can—that’s legit. It’s coming from the horse’s mouth, but there’s always usually a motive for these things. Somebody wants to get paid or not paid. Somebody wants to influence somebody to trade them a certain place. It doesn’t always mean it’s black and white,” the Warriors‘ owner explained.

Durant reportedly stated he didn’t want to be traded midseason, a stance Lacob acknowledged while highlighting KD’s unique career path. “Hey, he’s never been traded, right? He’s always been a free agent,” said the 69-year-old billionaire.

When asked directly whether Durant’s stance halted trade talks, Lacob remained tight-lipped. “I don’t think I should comment on another team’s player any more than what has been speculated out there. You can, you can conclude whatever you want,” he said.

While Lacob refrained from confirming any specifics, his comments suggest the Warriors are focused on their own plans rather than chasing a reunion with Durant or …are they?

Speaking of KD, his name has been swirling in another debate—one that could shake up NBA All-Star Weekend.

Kevin Durant admits he could lose in a 1v1 tournament

A 1v1 tournament featuring the league’s biggest stars has been floated as a way to inject excitement back into the event. But would superstars actually put their pride on the line?

The veteran superstar didn’t hesitate when asked on The Draymond Green Show. If there’s a $1 million prize, he’s all in. “Would I play? Yeah, I’d play,” he said. “It’d be some good work, too.”

Draymond backed KD as the favorite, but Durant kept it real—he knows anyone can get the best of him on a given night. “You can say I can win this, but I can also lose too,” he admitted, recalling how Jayson Tatum torched him in past matchups. He also gave props to Kyrie Irving, Joel Embiid, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as players who could challenge him.

Interestingly, Dray initially picked LeBron James as his winner before changing his mind. At 40, LeBron’s game isn’t what it used to be, but he’s still a threat. As for Durant? He’s not slowing down anytime soon. If this 1v1 showdown ever happens, expect him to be right in the mix.