Warriors predicted to bring back ring-chasing $194 million Suns star via trade

The Golden State Warriors have plenty of time this season to explore the possibility of executing a blockbuster trade. While various scenarios are being considered, one intriguing possibility is the reunion with a dynamic Phoenix Suns star, a player often labeled a “ring chaser” since 2016.

As reported by Newsweek’s Ricardo Klein, the Warriors are actively engaging in trade discussions, aiming to capitalize on the remaining prime years of Stephen Curry, their All-NBA point guard.

“Recent reports suggest a potential trade with the Brooklyn Nets involving guard Dennis Schröder and a second-round draft pick in exchange for De’Anthony Melton and three second-round picks,” Klein noted in his Sunday column.

However, another trade concept has sparked significant interest—a bold move that could entirely reshape Golden State’s championship ambitions: acquiring Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. This hypothetical trade would reunite Durant with Curry, reviving a duo that propelled the Warriors to back-to-back NBA championships in the late 2010s.

Despite the passage of several years, both Durant and Curry remain among the NBA’s top-tier players. Durant, despite struggling with injuries this season, continues to demonstrate his exceptional abilities. In 14 games so far, he’s averaged 26.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 53 percent from the field and an astonishing 44 percent from beyond the arc.

Adding Durant to the Warriors’ roster would undoubtedly elevate their championship prospects. Pairing him with Curry—alongside stalwarts like Draymond Green—would position Golden State as a formidable contender in the Western Conference. While the trade would necessitate giving up key assets, reports suggest the team could retain players such as Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, ensuring their roster maintains depth and flexibility.

Durant’s tenure with the Warriors remains a historic chapter in NBA history. During his three years with the team, the 6-foot-11 forward, known for his offensive prowess and ability to adapt seamlessly, played a pivotal role in securing two NBA championships. His presence made Golden State nearly unstoppable, and many analysts believe that if not for his devastating Achilles injury during the 2019 postseason, the Warriors could have completed a three-peat.

Although years have passed since Durant last shared the court with Curry and Green, there’s little doubt that the trio could quickly reignite the chemistry that once set them apart from other teams. However, with the Suns harboring championship aspirations of their own, it’s unlikely that Durant will be traded in the near future.

Revisiting the Durant-Warriors Era

Durant’s move to the Warriors in 2016 sent shockwaves through the basketball world. Joining an already dominant team, his addition was viewed by many as an unfair advantage. Yet, Durant silenced critics by showcasing his talent in the most critical moments. His Finals MVP performances in 2017 and 2018 solidified his legacy and cemented Golden State’s status as a dynasty.

Playing alongside Curry, one of the most unselfish superstars in NBA history, Durant thrived in a system built on ball movement, shooting, and versatility. Draymond Green’s defensive leadership and playmaking complemented Durant’s scoring ability, creating a juggernaut that dominated opponents on both ends of the floor.

This era also highlighted Durant’s ability to perform under pressure. His clutch three-pointer over LeBron James in Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals remains one of the most iconic moments of his career. Such memories fuel the speculation about a potential reunion, as Warriors fans reminisce about the team’s glory days.

Why the Warriors Might Consider a Durant Reunion

Golden State’s current roster has undeniable talent but faces stiff competition in the Western Conference. The team has had an inconsistent start to the season, raising questions about whether their current core is enough to contend for another title. Curry, at 36, continues to play at an MVP level, but the Warriors are keenly aware that his championship window won’t remain open forever.

Durant’s return would instantly address some of the team’s weaknesses. His scoring versatility, ability to create his own shot, and defensive presence would fill gaps that have emerged in recent seasons. Additionally, Durant’s familiarity with the Warriors’ system means he could integrate quickly, reducing the adjustment period typically associated with blockbuster trades.

From a strategic perspective, pairing Durant with Curry again would create mismatches for opposing defenses. Both players demand significant attention, opening up opportunities for role players to contribute effectively. Green’s ability to facilitate and anchor the defense would further enhance the team’s chances of returning to championship contention.

The Challenges of a Durant Trade

While the idea of Durant rejoining the Warriors is enticing, several obstacles make such a move challenging. For starters, the Suns are unlikely to part ways with Durant, especially given their own championship aspirations. Phoenix assembled a star-studded roster, including Bradley Beal and Devin Booker, with the goal of competing at the highest level. Trading Durant would undermine those efforts and potentially alienate their fan base.

Moreover, a trade of this magnitude would require the Warriors to part with significant assets, likely including young talent and future draft picks. Balancing the desire to win now with the need to secure the franchise’s long-term future presents a difficult dilemma. While keeping players like Hield, Podziemski, and Jackson-Davis would be ideal, the Suns would likely demand a steep price for a player of Durant’s caliber.

There’s also the question of how Durant’s injuries could impact his performance moving forward. While he has shown no signs of slowing down when healthy, his recent history suggests a level of risk. For a team like the Warriors, already operating under salary cap constraints, making such a high-stakes gamble requires careful consideration.

The Emotional Aspect of a Durant Reunion

Beyond the basketball implications, a Durant return to Golden State carries emotional weight. His departure in 2019 was met with mixed reactions from fans, some of whom felt betrayed by his decision to join the Brooklyn Nets. However, time has healed many of those wounds, and a reunion could be viewed as a chance to finish what they started together.

Durant’s close relationship with Curry and Green also plays a role in this hypothetical scenario. The mutual respect between the trio has been evident in public comments over the years, and their shared experiences during the Warriors’ championship runs created a bond that could make a reunion appealing for all parties involved.

Conclusion

While the prospect of Kevin Durant returning to the Golden State Warriors remains purely speculative, the idea highlights the team’s ongoing commitment to maximizing Stephen Curry’s prime. Durant’s presence would undoubtedly elevate the Warriors’ status as championship contenders, but numerous challenges make such a move unlikely.

For now, Durant remains a cornerstone of the Phoenix Suns, a team with its own title aspirations. However, as the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Warriors will undoubtedly explore all options to strengthen their roster. Whether that involves a blockbuster trade or smaller moves, one thing is clear: Golden State is determined to make the most of their current championship window.

In the end, the legacy of the Durant-Warriors partnership serves as a reminder of what’s possible when generational talents join forces. While a reunion may seem far-fetched, the thought of Durant and Curry sharing the court again is enough to spark excitement and nostalgia for fans around the league.