Durant’s Stance on Midseason Trades
Kevin Durant, the imminent future Hall of Famer, recently made it clear that he prefers midseason trades to be avoided if possible. During an appearance on the "Draymond Green Show," Durant explained his reasoning for shutting down the possibility of a trade back to the Golden State Warriors before the February 6 trade deadline. According to Durant, his decision had nothing to do with his history with the Warriors; rather, it was a pragmatic assessment of the impact such a move would have on both teams. "As far as the Warriors, I didn’t want to move," Durant said. "Me going into your team in the middle of your season, it’s going to be a big blow to any team I’m going to. And I get why you want to trade me; it’s just business, but for me looking at it, it just doesn’t make sense for either side to go through that when we can play the season out and if that’s the decision you want to make in the offseason, then we figure it out."
The Cost and Impact of Durant’s Trade
The extreme cost associated with trading for a player of Durant’s caliber is a significant factor in his rationale. When the Phoenix Suns acquired Durant in the middle of the 2022-23 season, they had to part with standout forwards Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Jae Crowder, along with four unprotected first-round picks and a first-round pick swap. The Warriors were rumored to have considered a similar deal, potentially involving Draymond Green, but the financial and roster impact of such a move would have been substantial. It’s not surprising that Durant, aware of the potential disruption, chose to reject the idea. Instead, he suggested that both parties could better assess the situation and make a more informed decision during the offseason. "If I can stop it, then why not?" Durant added, emphasizing his desire to maintain stability and see the season through.
The Warriors’ Pivot to Jimmy Butler
After Durant’s refusal, the Warriors quickly pivoted to Jimmy Butler, acquiring the All-Star wing from the Miami Heat. The deal involved sending Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Dennis Schröder, and a protected first-round pick to Miami. This move has been relatively successful for the Warriors, who have gone 6-1 in their first seven games with Butler, significantly improving their standing in the Western Conference. By acquiring Butler at a lesser cost, the Warriors have managed to strengthen their roster without the massive upheaval that Durant’s trade would have entailed. Durant acknowledged this on the show, stating, "I didn’t feel like it was a need to make that big of a change. Look at what y’all doing now, Dray. Y’all looking good with Jimmy and you still got [Jonathan] Kuminga on the way back. So, I didn’t think it made sense."
Durant’s Commitment to the Suns
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Durant remains deeply committed to his current team, the Phoenix Suns. He expressed a strong sense of loyalty to his coaches and teammates, emphasizing his desire to see the season through to the end. "I’m trying to see this through to the end and see what we can really do. I feel like I’m committed to my coaches and teammates," Durant said. This commitment is particularly notable given the Suns’ recent struggles. They have won only two of their last 10 games, dropping to a 27-31 record and trailing the Dallas Mavericks by 2.5 games for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. Despite these challenges, Durant’s focus remains on contributing to the team and achieving their goals.
Durant’s Future and the Suns’ Options
As the trade deadline passed and the Suns continued to struggle, the question of Durant’s future with the team looms large. Durant, who will be 36 years old at the end of this season, has one year left on his contract. Given his age, contract status, and the Suns’ current standing, it’s plausible that Phoenix may consider trading him during the offseason. Durant’s performance this season, which has him averaging 26.9 points per game and placing him sixth in the league, is a strong indicator of his continued value. However, the Suns must weigh this against their immediate and long-term goals, as well as the potential impact on the team’s chemistry and future prospects.
Durant’s Final Wish
Regardless of the Suns’ decision, one thing is clear: Durant wants his career to end on his terms. "I want my career to end on my terms," he stated firmly. "That’s the only thing. That’s the only thing I’m worried about." Durant’s sentiment reflects a deep desire for control over his career trajectory, a common wish among veteran players. For a player of his caliber, the desire to finish strong and on his own terms is a testament to his professionalism and dedication. As the NBA season progresses, fans and analysts will keenly watch how this situation unfolds, with Durant’s future and the Suns’ plans remaining a topic of intense interest.
Staying Informed with FOX Sports
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