Kevin Durant’s Decision: Staying in Phoenix Over a Warriors Reunion
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr didn’t hold back when discussing Kevin Durant’s choice to stay with the Phoenix Suns instead of returning to the Warriors. In a conversation with ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, Kerr acknowledged the relentless criticism Durant faced during his first stint in Golden State. “I don’t blame Kevin one bit for not wanting to rerun things here,” Kerr said. “He took so much s— for like, ‘Oh, you’re jumping on the bandwagon.’ And then he’s Finals MVP two years in a row. It’s like he still gets criticized.” No matter what Durant achieved, the backlash never stopped.
Both Kerr and former Warriors GM Bob Myers believe that the scrutiny Durant endured played a significant role in his decision to stay away. He dominated, won two championships, and still couldn’t shake the perception that he took an easy route to success. However, Durant’s reasons for staying in Phoenix were more straightforward than many assumed.
Durant’s Connection to the Warriors and His True Reason for Staying in Phoenix
Despite the outside noise, Durant still holds his time in Golden State in high regard. He even commemorated it with a tattoo—a tribute to the Warriors’ 2017 championship run. In Episode 6 of Court of Gold, Durant reflected on his “Just Us” tattoo, explaining that it was inspired by the phrase the team used to break their huddles. “That’s what we used to say when we break the huddle with the Warriors. ‘Just us.’ Got that after the first championship in 2017,” Durant shared, emphasizing the strong memories he still carries from those years.
But while his connection to the Warriors remains, Durant was quick to dismiss the idea that outside criticism kept him from rejoining the team. Speaking with ESPN’s Malika Andrews on NBA Today, Durant set the record straight.
“People talk crazy about me all the time. That’s not the reason why I didn’t want to come back. I just didn’t want to get traded midway through the season,” he said.
Some speculated that his decision was influenced by lingering tension with Draymond Green or unresolved feelings from his time in Golden State. However, Durant denied those claims. “It was nothing against my time with the Warriors, or I heard it was because I don’t like Draymond,” he explained.
“At the end of the day, I just didn’t want to move, and I wanted to see it through with my team in Phoenix and see what we could do for the rest of the season. So I’m glad I’m still there.”
Durant remains committed to finishing what he started with the Suns rather than chasing the past.
Still Going Strong at 36
Despite being in a league increasingly dominated by younger players, Durant continues to play at an elite level. He acknowledged the reality of aging in the NBA but emphasized that he still enjoys every aspect of the game.
“I think about it all the time,” Durant told ESPN when asked about his future. “I mean, we’re in a young man’s game. I hear about my age every day. But I’m still having fun preparing for games, preparing for practices, being a teammate, I still enjoy all that stuff. I don’t see an end right now, but it could happen, it could not. But I’m just locked in on the next day.”
Trade rumors swirled around Durant ahead of the deadline, but he made it clear he had no intention of leaving Phoenix. “You gotta ask the front office about that,” he said. “I mean, I never planned on leaving, moving, or getting traded. I didn’t ask for a trade from Phoenix.”
The Suns’ Struggles and Durant’s Future
Even with Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Suns have failed to meet expectations, sitting at 26-28. Beal’s massive contract and no-trade clause made moving him difficult, leading many to speculate that Durant could be the next big trade piece. However, the idea of Phoenix splitting up Durant and Booker never seemed realistic.
Durant has continued to produce at an elite level, averaging 27.3 points, six rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. If the Suns fail to turn things around, significant offseason changes could be on the horizon—including a potential move for Durant.
For now, Durant remains locked in on the present, focused on leading the Suns forward rather than revisiting his past with the Warriors. However, if Phoenix’s struggles continue, speculation about his future will only intensify.