The Golden State Warriors are trying to save their dying dynasty. Unfortunately for them, they missed out on every one of their targets.
Jaylen Brown came and went. LeBron James chose Philadelphia, and Anthony Davis is no longer an option. For a franchise still built around Stephen Curry, who holds the organization’s future in his hands right now, the offseason has to be considered a disaster considering the expectations.
It might even reach the point where Curry could start rethinking if staying with the Warriors is the right move. Based on reports from the Warriors’ camp so far, it isn’t looking too convincing that they want to build a winner.
That’s what makes Kevin Durant so fascinating, especially since the Warriors are reportedly fixated on acquiring him.
Durant signed a contract with the Houston Rockets, and Houston has every reason to believe its championship window is only beginning. But the Rockets’ first-round playoff exit last season exposed some uncomfortable questions about chemistry and whether this version of Houston is actually ready to win.
Durant may be the next superstar in line to request a trade if there isn’t enough on the Rockets’ side of things to push for a title.
Golden State, meanwhile, knows Durant better than almost anybody since the Slim Reaper delivered two championships for them. So why not go for a reunion? Let’s dive into how this could be possible.
The Proposed Blockbuster Shakes Up The West
Golden State Warriors Receive: Kevin Durant, Jae’Sean Tate
Houston Rockets Receive: Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, 2033 first-round pick
Durant is different because he is already proven alongside Curry.
During his first Golden State stint, Durant averaged 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting 52.4% from the field and 38.4% from three over three seasons. More importantly, the Warriors won championships in 2017 and 2018, with Durant earning Finals MVP honors both times.
Last season, KD averaged 26.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, and 0.9 BPG on 52.0% FG, 41.3% 3-PT FG, and 87.4% FT while making the All-NBA Second Team. Even at nearly 38, he’s still got it.
Losing Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis isn’t ideal, but they have to match salary, and bringing KD to play with Curry and impressive rookie Yaxel Lendenborg would be something to watch, especially when Jimmy Butler returns.
Houston Just Gave Durant A New Contract, But That Doesn’t Guarantee Everything Is Fine
Houston obviously didn’t acquire Durant just to trade him again. They made their intentions abundantly clear when they acquired the 15-time All-Star and then committed to him with a new contract.
They believe Durant can be the veteran superstar who pushes a young roster to championship contention, and on paper, the pairing makes sense.
In reality, Houston’s first postseason experience with Durant raised questions.
The Rockets were eliminated in the opening round after a turbulent season in which the team struggled to consistently find the right offensive balance. Durant did his part, but Houston’s young core also needs room to develop, and the franchise must figure out exactly how much the offense should revolve around its superstar.
Yes, Durant is too good to trade, but maybe he’s not the perfect player for what the Rockets are building.
That’s where a blockbuster could become a win-win. Draymond Green, at 36, has been through it all and can help improve the Rockets’ young core. He posted 8.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, and 0.6 BPG last season, but his impact came with his defense (115.0 defensive rating) and leadership.
Kristaps Porzingis averaged 16.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, and 1.2 BPG on 44.6% FG and 33.8% 3-PT FG and would be an admirable fit next to Alperen Sengun.
Even if the Warriors have been hesitant to give up a first-round pick, they might be willing to do so for KD, and the Rockets could earn a very valuable piece to their future as well.
Houston could receive two forwards to bolster the team’s defense (and offense, including Porzingis’ shooting and Draymond’s passing). Golden State would receive the exact thing it has been hunting all summer: another superstar who can score alongside Curry.
Curry And Durant Could Give The Warriors One Last Championship Shot
There’s something almost unfair about asking the NBA to defend Curry and Durant again.
The first time around, opponents couldn’t solve it. From 2016-17 through 2018-19, the Warriors reached the Finals three consecutive times. They won the first two championships with Durant and Curry leading an offensive machine that ranked 1st in the league year after year.
The current version of Golden State doesn’t have the luxury of KD. They have too many veterans who won’t take them anywhere.
Curry is still capable of spectacular stretches, but the Warriors need another player who can manufacture offense, and Durant is perhaps the best possible answer.
Even at this stage of his career, KD remains one of the rare players who can walk into a possession with 10 seconds on the shot clock and create a high-quality shot without needing a play drawn up.
Golden State missed on Brown, LeBron, and Davis, and they can’t wait forever. A Durant-Curry reunion wouldn’t simply make the Warriors relevant again.
