Kevin Durant Returns to the Warriors in a Blockbuster Trade for Five Players and Two First-Round Picks
The NBA has seen its fair share of blockbuster trades, but few would have expected a seismic move of this magnitude. Kevin Durant, the two-time NBA Finals MVP and former Golden State Warriors star, has made a surprising return to the Bay Area in a trade that will send shockwaves throughout the league. The Golden State Warriors, who had already established themselves as a powerhouse in the NBA, are adding Durant back to their already loaded roster, potentially elevating them to new heights of dominance.
In an unexpected turn of events, the Warriors traded five players and two first-round draft picks to acquire Durant from the Phoenix Suns, marking one of the most shocking moves of the 2025 NBA season. Durant’s return to Golden State has been the talk of the NBA, and the ramifications of this trade will reverberate throughout the league for years to come.
A Glimpse into Durant’s Legacy with the Warriors
Before diving into the details of the trade, it’s important to reflect on Durant’s previous tenure with the Warriors, which remains one of the most successful and dominant stretches in NBA history. Durant joined the Warriors in the summer of 2016, forming one of the most potent lineups ever assembled. During his three years in Golden State (2016-2019), Durant helped the Warriors win two NBA championships in 2017 and 2018, earning Finals MVP honors in both seasons.
Durant’s fit with the Warriors was seamless, as his combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility allowed the team to reach another level of greatness. Durant’s presence turned Golden State into an even more formidable offensive juggernaut, allowing Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson to work off the ball and continue their three-point dominance. With Durant, the Warriors’ offense was nearly unstoppable.
However, after the 2019 season, Durant made the decision to leave the Warriors and join the Brooklyn Nets. This move shocked the basketball world, as Durant left a ready-made championship contender to build his own legacy in Brooklyn. Durant’s time with the Nets was marked by both individual brilliance and some moments of frustration as the team struggled with injuries and chemistry issues. Nevertheless, Durant remained one of the league’s best players, constantly reminding everyone of his elite scoring ability and overall basketball IQ.
After a successful stint with the Nets, Durant was traded to the Phoenix Suns in early 2023, where he quickly became the centerpiece of a rejuvenated team. In Phoenix, Durant has continued to perform at an MVP level, but as the 2024-2025 season unfolded, the Suns struggled with team chemistry and overall success. Rumors swirled around Durant’s future with Phoenix, and it became apparent that a change of scenery was on the horizon. That’s when the Warriors swooped in, orchestrating this blockbuster trade to bring Durant back into the fold.
The Trade: A Historic Deal
On January 13, 2025, the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns agreed to a trade that shocked the basketball world. The deal sends five players and two first-round draft picks to the Suns in exchange for Kevin Durant, marking a massive shift in the NBA landscape.
Warriors Receive:
- Kevin Durant (F)
Suns Receive:
- Andrew Wiggins (F)
- Jordan Poole (G)
- Moses Moody (G)
- Kevon Looney (C)
- Gary Payton II (G)
- 2025 First-Round Draft Pick
- 2027 First-Round Draft Pick
The Impact on the Golden State Warriors
Golden State’s decision to reacquire Durant speaks to their ambition to maximize their championship window, particularly with the aging core of Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green. The Warriors have been in the title conversation for nearly a decade, and this trade instantly catapults them back into the top tier of contenders, with one of the most potent offensive lineups the league has ever seen.
The Big Three: Curry, Thompson, and Durant
With the addition of Durant, the Warriors now have an all-time great trio in Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Kevin Durant. While the trio of Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green had been incredibly successful in the past, the return of Durant makes this team even more dangerous. Durant’s scoring ability allows him to be a primary offensive weapon or to complement Curry and Thompson in ways few teams can match.
Curry, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, will benefit from Durant’s presence on the floor. With Durant commanding attention on offense, Curry will have more opportunities to work off the ball and take advantage of open looks from beyond the arc. Similarly, Klay Thompson, known for his catch-and-shoot ability, will also thrive as a complementary scorer next to Durant.
Durant’s all-around game also gives the Warriors the ability to play small-ball lineups with him at the four or five, opening up new tactical possibilities for head coach Steve Kerr. The Warriors are now equipped with the firepower to match any team in the league, and their offensive spacing is unparalleled.
Defensive Versatility and Depth
While the Warriors’ offense is getting the most attention, the team’s defense also takes a massive leap forward with Durant’s return. Durant has long been known as an elite defender, and his length and versatility will allow the Warriors to match up with any opponent. Pairing Durant with Draymond Green, one of the league’s best defenders, gives the Warriors two players who can guard multiple positions and anchor a strong defense.
The Warriors also have a solid defensive supporting cast, with players like Jonathan Kuminga and Kevon Looney, who can contribute on that end of the floor. The Warriors’ defense, which has been solid in recent years, is now positioned to be a top-tier unit in the league.
The Role of Draymond Green
Draymond Green’s role with the Warriors remains pivotal in this new lineup. Known for his defensive prowess, playmaking ability, and leadership, Green will continue to be the glue that holds the team together. With Durant back in the fold, Green will no longer be asked to do as much scoring, which should allow him to focus more on playmaking, defense, and leadership. His ability to facilitate offense and run the Warriors’ system will remain crucial to their success.
The Warriors’ Title Chances
With Durant back on the roster, the Warriors are now the overwhelming favorites to win the 2025 NBA Championship. Their starting five—Curry, Thompson, Green, Durant, and Looney—forms an elite group that can dominate both ends of the floor. The Warriors’ depth, with players like Poole, Payton, and Kuminga off the bench, gives them the flexibility to rest their stars without losing much of a competitive edge.
The Warriors’ chances of winning the championship are heightened by their familiarity with Durant’s game. The team has already had years of success with Durant, and their chemistry and system are well-suited to his skill set. With a healthy and motivated Durant, the Warriors are in an ideal position to challenge for another title.
The Suns’ Perspective: A New Era
From the Phoenix Suns’ perspective, this trade signals a new direction for the team. While Durant is undeniably one of the best players in the league, the Suns’ decision to move him opens up opportunities for younger players to step up and establish themselves as the team’s future.
The Return of Andrew Wiggins
The headliner in the Suns’ return package is Andrew Wiggins, who was a key contributor to the Warriors’ 2022 NBA Championship run. Wiggins’ two-way ability and athleticism make him a valuable asset for the Suns as they look to rebuild their roster. Wiggins can be a primary scorer and defensive stopper, and his ability to guard multiple positions makes him a versatile piece in Phoenix’s plans.
Jordan Poole and Moses Moody: The Future of Phoenix
Jordan Poole, known for his scoring ability and offensive creativity, represents a potential star for the Suns. While Poole has been inconsistent at times with Golden State, he has shown flashes of brilliance, and a change of scenery could unlock his full potential. Paired with young talent, Poole could become a centerpiece of the Suns’ future.
Moses Moody, a former first-round pick, is another young piece that the Suns hope will develop into a contributor. Moody has shown promise as a shooter and defender, and Phoenix will look to develop him further as they build for the future.
The Phoenix Suns’ Rebuild
The Suns also received a pair of first-round draft picks, which will help them in their long-term rebuilding efforts. With Durant out of the picture, Phoenix can now focus on developing its younger players and positioning itself for the future. While the Suns will undoubtedly miss Durant’s contributions, this trade offers them a chance to reset and potentially build a more sustainable, long-term contender.
