Should the Golden State Warriors Pursue a Kevin Durant Deal?

The Golden State Warriors, as one of the most successful NBA franchises of the past decade, are always at the center of trade rumors, particularly when a superstar like Kevin Durant, who previously played for them, becomes available. The idea of the Warriors pursuing Durant again has sparked significant debate. Some believe that bringing him back would solidify their championship aspirations, while others argue that the team should look to build with its current roster. In order to understand whether a Kevin Durant trade is a good move for Golden State, several factors must be considered: Durant’s fit with the team, the Warriors’ current roster composition, financial implications, and the long-term impact on the franchise. This essay will examine each of these points in detail to assess whether a Durant deal is something the Warriors should pursue.

Kevin Durant’s History with the Warriors

Kevin Durant’s tenure with the Golden State Warriors from 2016 to 2019 was nothing short of historic. After leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency, Durant joined a Warriors team that was already dominant, coming off a 73-win season in 2015-16. Durant’s arrival added another layer of offensive power, forming a nearly unbeatable core alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. The team would go on to win two NBA championships in 2017 and 2018, with Durant being named Finals MVP both times.

However, Durant’s relationship with the Warriors was not without complications. His arrival changed the dynamic of the team, shifting from a system based on ball movement and selflessness to one where Durant, a superstar talent, took on a central role. The Warriors were undeniably more talented with Durant, but his presence also created friction within the team’s chemistry. Eventually, after winning two titles, Durant left the Warriors in 2019 to join the Brooklyn Nets in search of a new challenge, as well as to escape the shadow of the Warriors’ dynasty. His departure left a mix of gratitude and bitterness among Warriors fans and players alike.

Now, with Durant potentially available again in trade talks, the question remains: should the Warriors attempt to bring him back into the fold?

Durant’s Current Value

Before diving into whether a trade makes sense for the Warriors, it is essential to assess Durant’s current value as a player. At 35 years old (as of January 2025), Durant remains one of the top players in the league. He is an offensive juggernaut with a versatile skill set, capable of scoring in virtually every way imaginable. Despite his age, Durant has maintained his level of production, averaging over 25 points per game in the 2024-2025 season while shooting a high percentage from both the field and three-point range.

Durant’s size (6’10”) and scoring ability make him a matchup nightmare for defenders, and his basketball IQ remains elite. He is a highly efficient scorer, capable of creating his own shot, as well as playing within a system. However, it is important to note that Durant’s defensive impact has decreased slightly as he ages, and his injury history—particularly his Achilles tendon injury in 2019—raises concerns about his durability moving forward.

Even with these concerns, Durant remains an A-list talent, and his ability to lead a team in both the regular season and the playoffs is unquestioned. For the Warriors, adding a player like Durant could elevate their championship potential, as long as they can manage his minutes and integrate him effectively into the system.

The Warriors’ Current Roster

As of 2025, the Warriors still feature their core trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, but the roster has evolved since Durant’s departure. The Warriors’ current identity revolves around their dynamic offense led by Curry, arguably the greatest shooter in NBA history. Curry continues to be the focal point of the team’s offensive scheme, and his shooting range allows for a free-flowing offense that takes advantage of spacing and quick ball movement.

Klay Thompson, although recovering from multiple injuries, remains one of the league’s best shooters and defenders. He provides the Warriors with a valuable two-way presence and a reliable secondary scoring option. Draymond Green, the emotional leader of the team, continues to be an elite defender and playmaker, though his offensive limitations make him more valuable in a complementary role.

In addition to the core players, the Warriors also have emerging stars like Jordan Poole, who has shown significant growth in recent seasons. The Warriors’ depth has been a mixed bag, with some promising young players (like Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga) contributing sporadically, while veterans like Kevon Looney and Donte DiVincenzo provide stability.

From a roster perspective, the Warriors are built to contend, but there are gaps. Their bench depth has been inconsistent, and while they have multiple scoring options, the team sometimes struggles with offensive balance, especially when Curry is off the floor. A player like Durant could address these issues, providing another elite scorer and a versatile forward who could either play alongside the core or step into a leadership role if necessary.

Fit with the Warriors’ System

One of the primary considerations for any potential Durant deal is how he would fit within the Warriors’ system. Under head coach Steve Kerr, the Warriors have developed a distinct style based on ball movement, unselfishness, and spacing. Durant’s playing style in Brooklyn was somewhat more isolation-based, as he was asked to carry a larger offensive load. The question becomes whether Durant would seamlessly fit into the Warriors’ system or if it would require significant adjustments on both sides.

On one hand, Durant’s skill set is remarkably versatile, and his ability to play within a team-oriented offense is well-documented. During his first stint with the Warriors, Durant bought into the unselfish brand of basketball, fitting in as a scorer without disrupting the team’s ball movement and spacing. Durant’s shooting range and ability to score off the catch or dribble would give the Warriors an additional weapon to space the floor and create mismatches.

On the other hand, there would likely be some integration challenges. Durant is used to having the ball in his hands more often in Brooklyn, and the Warriors’ offense is predicated on off-ball movement and quick decisions. Durant would need to adjust his game to accommodate Curry and Thompson’s style, which might mean sacrificing some of the ball dominance he enjoyed in Brooklyn.

The key to making this work would be Durant’s willingness to accept a role similar to the one he had in his first stint with the Warriors: as a complementary superstar who fits within a system built around Curry. If Durant is open to this, the team could see immediate success.

Financial and Trade Implications

A potential trade for Durant would have significant financial implications for the Warriors. As of 2025, Durant’s contract runs through the 2025-2026 season, with a substantial salary that would require the Warriors to send out significant salary in return. Golden State is already operating in the luxury tax, meaning that adding Durant would further inflate their payroll and could have ramifications for their ability to make future moves.

The Warriors have several assets that could be used in a trade for Durant, including future draft picks and younger players like Moses Moody or Jonathan Kuminga. These players, combined with salary-matching contracts, could be used to facilitate a deal, but it would require parting with some key assets that could impact the Warriors’ future.

The team would also have to be cautious of the long-term financial implications of bringing Durant back. While Durant would provide immediate championship-caliber production, the Warriors would be committing to a significant financial burden, especially given their aging core and the uncertain future of players like Thompson and Green. The franchise would have to balance the desire for immediate success with the long-term sustainability of their roster.

Championship Window and Long-Term Impact

The primary reason the Warriors would pursue a Durant trade is to win another championship. With Curry still playing at an elite level, the Warriors’ championship window remains open, but the team is not getting any younger. Adding Durant would significantly enhance their chances of winning a title in the next few years, particularly if Durant can stay healthy and return to his previous form.

However, the long-term impact of such a move must be carefully considered. Durant’s age and injury history suggest that the Warriors’ window could close sooner than they might like. Relying too heavily on Durant in the coming years could leave them vulnerable if his performance declines or if the team’s core begins to age out of its prime. Additionally, the financial strain of a Durant trade could limit the Warriors’ ability to build a sustainable team around him in the future.

Furthermore, the Warriors must consider the potential risks to team chemistry. Durant’s departure in 2019 was in part due to internal friction, and while many years have passed, it’s unclear how he would mesh with the current iteration of the team. If Durant is unhappy or unable to integrate into the system effectively, the Warriors could face similar problems to the ones they encountered before his departure.