Nov 22, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) with Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

New Report on Reason for Failed Kevin Durant, Warriors Trade

Originally posted on Golden State Warriors on SI
By Grant Mona | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 1:01 PM ET

Since Kevin Durant left the Golden State Warriors after rupturing his Achilles in the 2019 NBA Finals, it has been a rocky timeline. Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2016 offseason in a stunning move to join the vaunted Warriors just after breaking the regular season win record at 73.

Durant's three years as a Warrior were nothing short of spectacular. He won two championships in back-to-back seasons in 2017 and 2018, along with two NBA Finals MVP awards, and was an All-Star every year.

Steve Kerr:

“I don't blame Kevin Durant one bit for not wanting to rerun things here. 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… So why would he want to face all that… pic.twitter.com/l9KaKXhGFy
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 14, 2025

The Warriors and Durant were rumored to be exploring a reunion at various points during the 2024-2025 season, leading up to the trade deadline.

A new report from Logan Murdock of The Ringer revealed some interesting information as to why Durant was not fond of being traded to the Warriors in February.

KD TO WARRIORS & LUKA TO LAKERS ON THE SAME DAY?! Draymond Green says Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob told him a Kevin Durant trade was about to happen at the 2025 NBA Trade Deadline

Minutes later, Stephen Curry yelled to him, “Draymond, you see the trade?” Draymond… pic.twitter.com/OKPpjiPl5I
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) June 7, 2025

“Durant’s exit from the Bay Area arguably had more to do with his issues with Steve Kerr than any shouting match with Green. Durant repeatedly complained both publicly and privately about Kerr’s offensive principles during his final season with the Warriors, and he continued to do so even after he left for Brooklyn," Murdock wrote.

He continued to write that the two have since made amends, saying, "The two have since reconciled, but league sources identify Kerr as among the reasons Durant opted not to return to Golden State at the trade deadline.”

Steve Kerr confirms the Golden State Warriors tried to trade for Kevin Durant

"I think it's well documented that we were trying to get Kevin Durant, but that didn't happen.”

(Via Tom Tolbert Show) pic.twitter.com/8wjIWTfMQS
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) May 24, 2025

Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets on the day of Game 7 of the NBA Finals for a package involving Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

This article first appeared on Golden State Warriors on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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