A fable reunion was in the works, and the orchestrator might be Kevin Durant this time. KD has opened the door—however slightly—to a future reunion with the Golden State Warriors, but emphasizes that any move would carry significant financial implications. Speaking on “The Draymond Green Show,” the Phoenix Suns star acknowledged that teams might consider trading for him, yet he cautioned that such a mid-season shake-up could be both costly and disruptive.

Durant, who won two championships with the Warriors from 2017 to 2019, remains among the NBA’s elite scorers at age 35. This season, he is owed $51 million, with $54 million due next year. While he admits he “gets why” franchises entertain the idea of acquiring him, he believes the timing is paramount—particularly if a deal is supposed to happen before the trade deadline.

“I get why y’all want to trade me. Y’all looking at it from the simple fact that’s just business. But from me looking at it, I’m just like it just don’t make sense for either side right now to go through that… If that’s the decision you want to make in the offseason then you know you figure it out,” Durant said.

Earlier rumblings indicated Durant considered how a return to Golden State could help owner Joe Lacob skirt potential salary-cap issues. Yet Durant clarified that making such a move mid-season would not be ideal for the Warriors or himself. Aside from the optics of a high-profile reunion, he believes the roster overhaul required to accommodate his max contract would be disruptive to team chemistry.

“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,” KD emphasized.

With the Warriors trying to balance developing young talent—such as Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody—alongside veterans Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, shaking up the roster at the trade deadline could prove costly in more ways than one.

This stance may also reflect Durant’s own recent experiences. Last season, he was dealt from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns as part of a blockbuster, mid-year swap. While the Suns added an all-time scorer, they surrendered key depth and draft assets. Phoenix has since battled injuries and continuity issues, prompting further chatter about possible trades involving either Bradley Beal or Durant himself.

Many speculated that a renewed stint with the Warriors seemed far-fetched due to Durant’s past friction with Draymond Green. Their highly publicized sideline argument in November 2018, for instance, allegedly played a part in Durant’s choice to leave Golden State. However, recent interactions suggest the two have mended fences. By sharing his perspective on Green’s podcast, Durant effectively downplayed the notion that personal tensions would block a potential reunion.

Instead, the biggest stumbling blocks appear to be timing and financial feasibility. Golden State already faces a hefty payroll, and adding Durant would likely force the franchise to part with valuable role players or emerging prospects. Durant himself admits it’s not a simple swap, underlining that even a contender like the Warriors would need a near-complete transformation to fit him in.

The Kevin Durant saga may not be over

For now, Kevin Durant prioritizes staying with the Phoenix Suns. However, it would be wrong to say the trade deadline news didn’t surprise him. Notably, he didn’t expect his name to be included in talks after the Suns’ failure to deal Bradley Beal. The notion of being “blindsided” was reported.

And as things stand, if Durant had to move, it would be during the offseason. In hindsight, with each game of the Suns, it seems highly likely that major moves will take place.

This isn’t to say KD will return to the Warriors. That could essentially be out of the question. Having given Jimmy Butler a massive extension, the Bay would have to part ways with several coveted youngsters to make it happen. However, in the twilight phase of his career, competing matters to Durant.

Over a seven-game stretch, the Suns have only won a single game. It’s not that their offensive engine isn’t running hot. Tonight, the trio of Durant, Beal, and Devin Booker combined for 78 points. Still, it ended in an overtime loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. It’s hence evident that Phoenix needs to shake things up.

Of course, they might look to offer Bradley Beal now that he is displaying a resurgence in his form. But they could also wave Durant’s contract in the market. The Slim Reaper only has another year left and is owed $54 million. At that price, the Suns could extract multiple pieces that complement Devin Booker in a possible restructuring of the franchise.

Clearly, the way things are, the Suns are nowhere close to being competitive. Durant’s contract paves the way for recovery. Several teams will have their wallets open. Kevin Durant is still averaging 26.9 points on insane efficiency. Teams such as the Miami Heat will have a massive purse to splash at the modern-day icon.

As Durant explains, it would be a big blow for the Suns too if he moves. However, the risk if he doesn’t is losing him for nothing. Is that a wise move for a franchise that is currently four games under .500 with only 24 games in hand? That’s the question that needs a firm answer.