The Warriors are expected to deal for the ring-chasing $194 million Suns star.
The Golden State Warriors have plenty of opportunities to make a significant trade this season, with the potential for a major move to acquire a superstar. While it may seem unlikely, there’s a chance the Warriors could make a dramatic return for a former star who has been a sought-after player since 2016. According to recent reports, the Warriors are actively exploring trade options as they aim to make the most of their championship window during the prime of All-NBA point guard Stephen Curry.
Ricardo Klein of Newsweek shared that the Warriors are looking into potential trades that could enhance their roster for a championship run. One option discussed in recent reports includes a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The deal would see the Warriors acquire veteran guard Dennis Schröder and a second-round pick in exchange for De’Anthony Melton and three second-round picks. While this would certainly bolster the Warriors’ backcourt, an even more ambitious trade could reshape their entire title hopes.
The more exciting possibility involves a blockbuster trade that would bring Phoenix Suns All-NBA power forward Kevin Durant back to the Bay Area. This move would reunite Durant with Curry, a duo that led Golden State to two consecutive NBA championships in the late 2010s. Despite both players being several years removed from their dominant run, they remain among the league’s elite talents.
Durant, despite battling injuries this season, has continued to produce at an incredibly high level when on the court. In 14 appearances, he’s averaging 26.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game, all while shooting 53 percent from the field and an impressive 44 percent from three. His production on both ends of the floor would make him a perfect fit for the Warriors, providing an undeniable upgrade to their already talented roster.
If the Warriors were able to acquire Durant, pairing him with Curry, alongside key figures like Draymond Green, would immediately put Golden State back in the conversation as a top contender in the Western Conference. Even though this trade would require the Warriors to part with valuable assets, it would still leave them with key contributors such as Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, helping maintain the team’s depth and flexibility.
During Durant’s previous three-year stint with the Warriors, the team was virtually unbeatable. The 6-foot-11 offensive genius played a pivotal role in helping Golden State secure two championships. Had it not been for a devastating Achilles injury during the 2019 postseason, it’s likely the Warriors would have won three straight NBA titles, solidifying their dynasty. Durant’s versatility, ability to score from anywhere on the court, and basketball IQ made him an invaluable asset to the team.
Although Durant has been away from the Warriors for several years, there’s good reason to believe that the chemistry between him, Curry, and Green would quickly rekindle. The trio had a unique connection on the court that set the Warriors apart from other teams, and it’s likely they would pick up where they left off, continuing to dominate the league together.
However, despite the allure of reuniting with Golden State, Durant’s situation with the Phoenix Suns complicates the matter. The Suns have made it clear they intend to compete for a championship this season, and with Durant playing at such a high level, it’s unlikely they would part ways with him in the near future. Phoenix will likely do everything in their power to keep their star forward on the roster, especially with the team’s championship aspirations firmly in mind.
That being said, the Warriors still have plenty of time to explore other trade options, and they may find a way to pull off a deal that could elevate them back to the top of the NBA. Whether it’s through acquiring a player like Schröder or going after a superstar like Durant, Golden State has a range of possibilities to enhance their title chances. Regardless of what happens, the Warriors remain one of the most intriguing teams to watch this season, with their eye on a championship and the assets necessary to make a major move.
In the coming weeks, the landscape of the NBA could change dramatically, and the Warriors’ pursuit of another superstar could have a significant impact on the championship race. While Durant’s return to the Warriors remains a distant possibility, the team’s readiness to explore any opportunity means that no trade option is off the table as they look to build a roster capable of bringing another title to the Bay Area.