10 Reasons Why Kevin Durant Is Destined To Play For The Golden State Warriors Again

The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors are not in great positions right now. The Suns are 14-14 despite the presence of a Big Three and Kevin Durant averaging 30.9 points per game on 52.1% FG, 47.3% 3-PT FG, and 87.1% FT. The Suns lack toughness, depth, and rank 16th in offense and 15th in defense which shows their middle-of-the-pack play. No doubt, it won’t take long before Durant becomes unsettled and frustrated with the franchise. 

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors dynasty is at risk of toppling since they are only 15-14 and are constantly dealing with Draymond Green’s behavior on the court. Green is the leader of the team but is dealing with an indefinite suspension following his ejection by swinging at Jusuf Nurkic. If the Warriors end up trading Draymond Green, it might open up a situation for Durant to return to the Bay Area.

Durant famously formed one of the best teams ever with the Warriors between 2017 and 2019 and if the Suns disappoint this season by not winning the championship or even making the NBA Finals, a reunion could realistically occur. It seems that the situation in Phoenix isn’t exactly going as well as we thought because people around the organization are feeling Kevin Durant’s frustrations. 

If the Warriors do end up trading Draymond Green, who famously had a verbal altercation with Durant, there are 10 compelling reasons why Kevin Durant is destined to play for the Golden State Warriors again.

1. Team System Is Perfect For Kevin Durant

The Golden State Warriors boast a team system that aligns seamlessly with Kevin Durant’s style of play, with the formidable presence of seasoned veterans such as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, alongside talents like Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga. The team’s emphasis on ball-sharing, equal offensive involvement, and collective leadership, exemplified by the addition of Chris Paul, contrasts starkly with setups relying on a single offensive focal point.

This unique dynamic ensures that Durant can thrive within a system where playing the right way and contributing collectively take precedence over an individual-centric approach, making a return to the Warriors an enticing prospect for the former two-time Finals MVP. Golden State ranks 6th in assists per game among NBA teams, and that might be a massive selling point for Durant to join as he is posting 30.9 points per game for the Suns who rank 16th in assists.

2. Steve Kerr Is An Understandable Coach

Steve Kerr’s role as an emotional leader and adept motivator makes him an ideal coach for Kevin Durant, a player known for his sensitivity and occasional need for support. Kerr’s understanding coaching style creates an environment where Durant can thrive without undue pressure, situations that have been known to throw off the player’s motivation.

Kerr’s proven ability to manage player dynamics ensures a harmonious team atmosphere, making a reunion with Kerr a compelling aspect for Durant’s potential return to the Golden State Warriors. Head coach Frank Vogel is a great coach with a solid attitude, but he demands a bit more on defense and might not be the emotional leader that Steve Kerr is. Kerr’s understanding of Durant’s personality could make this a very comfortable return.

3. Stephen Curry Is The Perfect Teammate

Stephen Curry’s exceptional qualities as a teammate make him the perfect partner for Kevin Durant: as the face of the franchise, Curry selflessly shares the spotlight, having welcomed Durant with open arms previously between 2017 and 2019, fostering a championship-winning environment characterized by mutual respect. On the court, Curry’s off-ball prowess and remarkable floor-spacing abilities complement Durant’s game seamlessly, creating a dynamic superstar duo that poses an unparalleled challenge for opposing defenses.

Stephen Curry is posting 28.3 points per game on 42.1% from three this season which means the court will completely open up for Durant who has to carry the Suns at times. Both on and off the court, Curry’s positive and team-oriented attitude solidifies his status as the ideal teammate for Durant’s potential return to the Golden State Warriors.

4. Warriors Are Great Organization

The Golden State Warriors stand out as a premier organization, celebrated for their consistent winning culture, active player involvement in decision-making, and nurturing team environment. With a dedication to excellence and a passionate fanbase, the Warriors offer more than just basketball—they provide a desirable stadium destination in the vibrant city of San Francisco, making it an appealing place for Kevin Durant to play.

Having secured four championships in the last decade, the Warriors’ track record unequivocally assures Durant that he’s aligning himself with a franchise with a proven commitment to success. The Suns are an excellent organization but there have been inconsistencies in management, mostly stemming from the previous owner Robert Sarver, and the situation right now isn’t the best in terms of cap space and roster build in a top-heavy manner.

5. Warriors Can Trade Draymond Green

The potential departure of Draymond Green may be a necessary move for a Kevin Durant return, given the stark differences in personality and playing style that previously led to a friction-filled on-court confrontation, prompting Durant’s departure. The contrasting temperaments of Green—temperamental, aggressive, and vocal—and Durant—calm, stoic, and peace-oriented—suggest that their dynamic might hinder team chemistry.

By parting ways with Green, the Warriors could pave the way for Durant’s return and establish a more harmonious atmosphere focused on winning championships without the looming threat of another bust-up that might have rocked Durant more than he would like to admit. A peaceful situation built on winning is exactly what the player needs right now as he approaches 36 years of age within the next year.

6. Durant Has Only Won In Golden State

Kevin Durant’s championship success has been exclusively tied to his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, making three consecutive Finals appearances and securing back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. While he made the Finals once with the Thunder in 2012, losing to LeBron James and the Miami Heat, the majority of his championship pedigree comes from his time in Golden State.

As Durant’s accolades, including 13 All-Star selections, 10 All-NBA honors, and four scoring titles, solidify his greatness, a potential return to the Warriors could offer him the opportunity to further enhance his legacy by adding more championship rings, elevating his status among the all-time basketball greats. Durant’s legacy has taken a hit because he hasn’t won in Golden State, but if he returns and wins again, critics will have to accept that his resume is among the best to have ever done it.

7. Warriors Nation Would Welcome Him Back

The prospect of Kevin Durant returning to the Golden State Warriors would undoubtedly be met with overwhelming support from the Warriors’ passionate fanbase, media members, and the organization itself. Durant’s instrumental role in guiding the team to consecutive championships in 2017 and 2018, earning both Finals MVP awards, solidified him as the pivotal player during that successful era.

Despite any debates about stacking the deck, Durant’s undeniable impact on the court and his commitment to winning titles would likely overshadow any past controversies. The collective focus on the ultimate goal of winning championships would create a perfect environment for Durant’s return, characterized by a warm reception and a united front centered around the pursuit of basketball excellence.

8. No More Pressure To Be A Leading Man

Returning to the Golden State Warriors would mean Kevin Durant can shed the pressure of being the leading man, a role he has expressed reluctance towards in the past. With Stephen Curry firmly established as the face of the franchise, and the organization providing a protective environment for its players, Durant could focus solely on being a superstar basketball player on the court without the burdens of leadership, excessive pressure, or the constant spotlight.

The shared spotlight within the Warriors’ ensemble approach, as demonstrated during their successful 2017 and 2018 campaigns, creates an ideal setting for Durant to thrive and contribute without the weight of additional responsibilities.

9. Earning Credit For Saving The Dynasty

Amidst the slow decline of the Golden State Warriors dynasty marked by Curry’s advancing age (nearly 36), Thompson’s shooting inconsistencies (under 40% shooting for the second time in his career), Green’s behavioral issues, Wiggins’ underperformance (12.3 PPG on 30.0% 3-PT FG), and the departure of GM Bob Meyers, Kevin Durant has a chance to be hailed as the savior of the franchise.

Having previously delivered two championships and Finals MVPs, Durant could potentially orchestrate a revival, earning additional credit for rescuing a team facing internal strife and on-court challenges. By returning and adding another championship to the Warriors’ legacy, Durant would transform his narrative, shifting from joining a 73-9 team to rejuvenating a struggling franchise, thereby significantly enhancing his legacy in the process.

10. Other Title-Contenders Would Have No Chance

A compelling reason for Kevin Durant to consider a return to the Golden State Warriors is the potential to stack the deck in his favor once again, creating a dominant force that could overwhelm other title contenders. The Warriors’ track record of wiping out the competition in 2017, 2018, and 2019, with impressive regular-season records and playoff performances, showcases their ability to form a formidable team.

In 2017, with Durant, the Warriors won 67 games and went 16-1 in playoffs before winning a championship. In 2018, they won 58 games, went 16-5 in playoffs, and won another championship at the expense of the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2019, the Warriors won 57 games, had a 16-8 record in playoffs, and lost in the NBA Finals at the hands of the Kawhi Leonard-led Toronto Raptors.

Durant, known for his tendency to join star-studded lineups, could spearhead a squad capable of sweeping through the Western Conference, with only the reigning champion Denver Nuggets posing a significant challenge. In the East, the Warriors have previously proven their ability to overcome formidable opponents, and current contenders like the Bucks, 76ers, and Heat may lack the star power that Durant could bring to Golden State. A return to the Warriors would position Durant with the best chance to secure another championship without the same level of competition concerns.