Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant. Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Durant should consider returning to OKC, not scoff at idea

By Sai Mohan | Last updated Jun 12, 2024 8:09 AM ET

Has there ever been a more full-circle moment in sports than when LeBron James returned to Cleveland to deliver the city its first major championship in 52 years? By doing so, James essentially erased a lot of the negativity that came with "The Decision" and the outrage that ensued.

It's been eight years since Kevin Durant made the infamous call to join the 73-win Warriors, evoking similar negativity among the Thunder fan base. Durant became so hated in Oklahoma City that fans mocked him with "cupcake" chants every time he returned to the city as a visitor.

Is it time for Durant to follow in James' footsteps and make amends with the Thunder fan base? That seems to be the opinion of a fan on X. The Suns forward, though, has scoffed at the idea.

U ain’t god. Go get ready for work
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) June 11, 2024

Perhaps it was the wording of the fan's tweet that led to Durant's savage response.

One thing is for certain: a Thunder-Durant reunion would benefit both parties immensely.

If the 2024 playoffs proved anything, it's that the Thunder are not quite ready to compete for an NBA championship. Despite finishing the No. 1 seed in the regular season, Mark Daigneault's squad was overwhelmed by the fifth-seeded Mavericks in the second round, struggling to match the physicality of its opponent and lacking certain intangibles required to make a deep postseason run.

Similarly, Durant's Suns were outclassed by the Timberwolves in the first round, so much so that they were swept by an average margin of 15 points. With a burgeoning payroll, the Suns have little room to improve the roster for next season, meaning they could be staring at another early playoff exit.

Recent history suggests that Durant hasn't been reluctant to request a trade. If things continue to go south in Phoenix, it's time for "The Slim Reaper" to find his way back to Oklahoma City.

The Thunder have the draft assets and young players to entice the Suns, even while retaining Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. A Big Three of SGA, Holmgren and Durant sounds intriguing.

Sai Mohan

A veteran sportswriter based in Portugal, Sai covers the NBA for Yardbarker and a few local news outlets. He had the honor of covering sporting events across four different continents as a newspaper reporter. Some of his all-time favorite athletes include Mike Tyson, Larry Bird, Luís Figo, Ayrton Senna and Steffi Graf.

More must-reads: