Kevin Durant shook the NBA world when it was reported that he had formally asked for a trade away from the Brooklyn Nets. This came shortly after a period of intense drama that circled around Kyrie Irving, his player option for the 2022-23 season, and a potential contract extension.
Irving and the Nets played chicken in regards to the lengthening of his deal, with the All-Star point guard seeking a deal containing the maximum allowable total payout and number of years and Brooklyn balking on committing to the unpredictable player long-term.
After several rumors about sign-and-trade deals and even a notion that Irving could opt out of his final year with the Nets and sign with the Los Angeles Lakers for a much more modest mid-level exception, ultimately, Irving chose the money and picked up his option for $36 million with the Nets for next season.
Surprisingly, that saga was quickly followed up by the news that KD had officially requested to be traded away from the team and his best friend in the league.
Despite the shockwaves that his trade request made, there’s been little to no movement on that front since. Aside from some peculiar movement within the betting odds at Las Vegas in regards to his next team, nothing else of significance has come out of the Brooklyn Nets organization or Kevin Durant’s camp.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Warriors Stars, Kevin Durant Discuss Potential Golden State Reunion
One team that makes perfect sense but hasn’t been included in the rumors much is his old stomping grounds: the Golden State Warriors.
After just winning the 2022 NBA Finals, the Warriors again have the opportunity to craft one of the most loaded teams in league history. Through a little bit of lucky circumstance and patient team-building strategies, Golden State has wound up with one of the deepest teams in the league.
With veteran All-Stars leading the charge and high-ceiling prospects waiting in the wings to bring in the next era. They also retain all of their draft picks, save for 2024 which was dealt away to the Memphis Grizzlies but is top-four protected.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Warriors Stars, Kevin Durant Discuss Potential Golden State Reunion
If there’s one message to take away from the NBA, and sports in general, it’s that the future is never guaranteed. The Warriors have a seemingly bright young core consisting of Jordan Poole, James Wiseman, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and 2022 draft pick Patrick Baldwin Jr.
Despite the immense level of talent among them, it’s uncertain that they’ll ever compete for a title once Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson are retired. The Warriors have the cache of assets to make a move for Kevin Durant now, without sacrificing any core piece from their recent title run except Andrew Wiggins.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Warriors Stars, Kevin Durant Discuss Potential Golden State Reunion
Bringing the “Slim Reaper” back to the Bay essentially makes them the overwhelming title favorites again for the next half-decade. The Golden State Warriors shouldn’t hesitate to make a play for him, even if it does cost them their young core and fans the parity they’ve loved in this league.
