Kevin Durant's Refusal to Return to the Warriors: Why He Stays with the Suns

Kevin Durant reveals the reasons behind his refusal to return to the Warriors during a recent interview. He discusses his past with Golden State, expectations with the Suns, and the conflict with Draymond Green that played a key role in his departure.

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Mark

2/19/20253 min read

On February 19, 2025, NBA star Kevin Durant opened up in an exclusive interview with ESPN's Malika Andrews, shedding light on his decision to reject the Golden State Warriors' trade offer. Despite Golden State’s previous interest in bringing Durant back to the Bay Area, the two-time NBA Finals MVP firmly declined. Durant shared that his refusal wasn’t due to negative experiences with the Warriors or personal conflicts with Draymond Green, but because he didn’t want to be traded mid-season. Durant expressed his desire to finish the current season with the Phoenix Suns, his new team after leaving the Brooklyn Nets.

1. Refusing the Warriors: A Personal Decision

Durant explained that his decision to reject a trade back to the Warriors had little to do with his previous experience in Golden State, where he won two championships and earned back-to-back Finals MVPs. While his time with the Warriors was marked by significant success on the court, Durant admitted that he faced immense external criticism. He was often labeled as someone who "joined a super team" rather than achieving individual success, and this public opinion weighed heavily on him. Durant might have seen his time with the Warriors as a chapter he needed to move past, wanting to re-establish his legacy in Phoenix.

2. High Expectations with the Suns

Since joining the Phoenix Suns, Durant has expressed high expectations for the team’s future. Despite the Suns' current struggle with a 26-28 record, ranking 11th in the Western Conference, Durant remains optimistic about the team’s potential. With the departure of Bradley Beal and some expected roster adjustments, Durant believes that the Suns can still contend for the playoffs. He values the opportunity to develop chemistry with his new teammates and contribute to the team’s long-term growth. Instead of mid-season changes, Durant is focused on what he can achieve with the Suns in the present.

3. The Importance of Stability: Avoiding Trade Uncertainty

In professional sports, the anxiety of being traded mid-season is a reality that many athletes face. Durant’s decision reflects a desire for stability, both personally and professionally. The constant uncertainty of potentially being moved to another team can have a negative psychological impact. Durant has already experienced this during his career, and he’s made it clear that he doesn’t want to relive that feeling. By staying with the Suns, Durant ensures that he can focus on the remainder of the season without the distraction of trade rumors.

4. The Draymond Green Conflict: A Pivotal Moment in Durant’s Career

While Durant downplayed the role of Draymond Green in his decision, the two players’ famous on-court clash during the 2018-2019 season remains a significant chapter in Durant’s tenure with the Warriors. The incident, which took place during a game between the Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers, occurred in the final moments of a close match. Green, after grabbing a crucial rebound, failed to pass the ball to Durant, who was in a better position to make a game-winning shot. Durant, frustrated by the decision, expressed his displeasure, leading to a heated argument in the locker room.

The fallout from that argument continued into the off-season, and despite winning two championships with the Warriors, Durant left for the Brooklyn Nets in 2019. This public conflict, paired with the ongoing media scrutiny, created a toxic atmosphere for Durant, contributing to his eventual departure from Golden State.

5. Looking Ahead: Durant’s Legacy

At this stage in his career, Durant is focused on building his legacy, both as an individual player and as part of a team. His refusal to return to the Warriors shows that he’s prioritizing his own career trajectory over the familiar comfort of championship teams. With the Suns, Durant aims to prove that he can still lead a team to success, regardless of external perceptions and past criticisms.