As NBA legend Stephen Curry approaches the final act of his career, the Golden State Warriors are determined to give him a fitting ending. Despite a promising start, this summer has not gone according to plan, as the team has missed out on virtually every big-name free agent. Still, the Warriors have not given up the fight, and they firmly believe in the chances to reunite with veteran swingman Kevin Durant in the near future.
Durant left the Warriors back in 2019, after helping the franchise to two championships in three straight trips to the Finals. He’s worn three different jerseys since, and he’s under contract with the Houston Rockets for another two years and $89 million. But, according to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Warriors are closely monitoring his situation as his future grows increasingly uncertain.
“For the Warriors, sources say the organization has not completely moved on from the idea of one day reuniting Curry with former Warrior and two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant,” wrote NBA insider Brett Siegel. “Lacob and the Warriors would welcome Durant back with open arms, much like they were prepared to do in 2025 before he and his business partner Rich Kleiman stopped the trade deadline deal in its tracks.”
The Warriors expressed interest in Durant last season, and nearly pulled off a trade for him before Durant himself shot it down. Contrary to popular thinking, however, it wasn’t any personal gripes with the Warriors that caused him to stop the deal. Rather, it was about not wanting to leave his current team (the Suns) at that particular time.
“The main reasons for Durant halting this trade in the middle of the year were due to his search for stability in Phoenix and simply not wanting to relocate at the time,” Siegel added. “Multiple sources close to the situation have made it clear there is no friction that exists between Durant, Green, Kerr, or any other member of the team.”
So, after losing out on stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and Kawhi Leonard, it’s only natural for the Warriors to put their gaze back toward Durant, who averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game on 52.0% shooting and 41.3% shooting from three last season. The only problem for the Warriors is that they won’t be the only team chasing the two-time champion if he becomes available. According to Siegel, the Rockets have already turned down offers from the Pistons, among other teams.
“This offseason, the Rockets have refuted interest from teams inquiring about Durant’s availability, specifically from the Detroit Pistons,” reported Siegel. “Detroit would loom large as a suitor for Durant if he were to ever want out of Houston, given his strong relationship with All-Star guard Cade Cunningham.”
At 37 years old, Kevin Durant may no longer be in the prime of his career, but his impact would be huge on the Warriors. If they are willing to pay the price, it could be the move that puts them back on the map in the West. Whether or not the Rockets would be interested in a potential package of Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, and picks is unclear, but rumors have persisted for weeks that he may be expendable.
For now, the Warriors must remain patient in their search for star power, but they cannot wait forever. As Curry ages, the window narrows, and only a major roster upgrade can put them back in the championship picture out West. Fortunately for them, the little possibility still exists in a storybook reunion.
