
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 10, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) talk during the second half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Feb 10, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) talk during the second half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
During the summer of 2016, Kevin Durant took an unusual route to his big announcement. An article titled ‘My Next Chapter’ dropped on July 7th where the superstar officially announced his ties with the Warriors. 9 years later, we might expect a similar announcement from the Slim Reaper, at the cost of a Dubs’ rising star. No, I am not kidding. In fact, with Luka Doncic’s shocking move to the Lakers, anything is possible. And the latest updates hint that the Dubs’ were more desperate than ever before.
Following the Luka-AD trade, NBA Insiders have dropped plenty of updates on the Dubs’ trade deadline moves. Yesterday, Brett Siegel reported that the Warriors contacted plenty of franchises in the last 72 hours with the hope of roping in a big star. Notably, the Bay team even contacted the Phoenix Suns with an ambition to bring back KD into the team, which the Valley side declined.
With no other option, the Dubs approached Jimmy Butler, which also ended, as the Heat star communicated that he wasn’t interested in a long-term extension. So, with less than 3 days from the deadline, the Dubs may have one more shot at KD.
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Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated stated, “The Warriors are indeed serious about reuniting with Kevin Durant, sources told SI. And with efforts to acquire Jimmy Butler stalled rival execs believe the Suns are strongly considering Durant deals before the deadline.”
The Warriors are indeed serious about reuniting with Kevin Durant, sources told SI. And with efforts to acquire Jimmy Butler stalled rival execs believe the Suns are strongly considering Durant deals before the deadline.
Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) February 4, 2025
Now that we have a hunch that the Warriors have another shot at Durant, what’s the closest possible plan of action they can explore to reach their desired wonderland? I think there’s a way and the answer to the problem is Jonathan Kuminga. Yes, we’ve heard Stephen Curry say that doesn’t want the team to ‘mortgage’ the future in desperation. But let’s see how the trade will work.
How will a 3-team deal bring Kevin Durant to the Warriors?
So, looking at the latest reports on the Suns’ trade movements, it seems like they’re interested in bringing Butler in. Their attempt to rope in Butler through Bradley Beal flopped because of the trade clause. Now, there’s a way where everyone will be satisfied.
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Jonathan Kuminga will be the trump card in this deal.
What’s your perspective on:
Is the Warriors' pursuit of Durant a sign of desperation or a strategic masterstroke?
Have an interesting take?
Currently, the Congolese forward has an expiring contract, as the Warriors didn’t extend JK’s rookie contract worth $24.8 million. And he will enter free agency this summer if not re-signed. So, the Dubs could entice the Heat to give Butler away for Kuminga. Notably, ESPN’s Windhorst reported that the Heat have lowered their price for Butler as they move inches closer to the deadline.
Assuming the Heat agree to the deal, the Suns come into the picture. Now, Butler, instead of heading to the Bay Area, the Warriors would replace him with KD. There’s another possible scenario as well where the Dubs and Suns could directly exchange JK for KD.
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Renowned reporter Jake Fischer reported that the Suns have a “level of interest” in Kuminga. However, this could not entirely materialize, considering the number of assets the Dubs have to give up too. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
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Debate
Is the Warriors' pursuit of Durant a sign of desperation or a strategic masterstroke?