Kevin Durant’s unwillingness to go back to Golden State could have many valid reasons. And KD would know it best. However, it has been a hot topic for debate in NBA circles, with many presenting justifications that are logically sound too, adding to the intrigue.
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Recently, Matt Barnes was in conversation with Kevin Garnett on KG Certified, and the NBA legends somewhat disagreed on Durant’s Warriors aversion. Garnett saw it from the perspective of having to uproot one’s life and settle somewhere else. Barnes, however, had a different theory.
“I didn’t look at it that way. I looked at it that there still could be some hard feelings over there [in the GSW organization],” said Barnes, before listing a variety of reasons to reiterate that Durant’s reluctance doesn’t make any sense to him.
If he were to join the Warriors, they’d go from a team struggling to stay afloat in the Western Conference to immediate title contenders. Barnes also discussed how KD doesn’t have any additional responsibilities, such as kids or family, so his moves are limited to him. If he’s still unwilling to leave a dysfunctional Suns team, there has to be more to the story.
Kevin Durant appears to be saying no to a Golden State reunion, but is there more to the story?
KG and Matt Barnes draw back the curtains, and examine the potential factors at play. pic.twitter.com/653UqSKeUc
— All the Smoke Productions (@allthesmokeprod) February 11, 2025
KG added his two cents to Barnes’ theory by outlining that former Warriors GM Bob Myers is no longer involved with the team. The one other person that Durant had an issue with is Draymond Green. Those two had a fallout when Green told him during a game that the Warriors didn’t need him. The incident had a snowball effect and ended up marking the beginning of the end for KD.
Years later, the former teammates decided to put their issues aside and shook hands on it. Since the two have moved on from it, Garnett said that all it would’ve taken was a phone call from Green and KD would’ve gotten the reassurance.
However, Barnes pointed out that KD is aware of the flaws of Golden State much more than anyone else. So if he has some reservations, there might be a reason behind it.
One possible reason that KG and Barnes didn’t talk about was how Durant believes the Warriors’ tenure harmed his NBA legacy. He went to the Bay and won back-to-back championships while being the Finals MVP and one of the best players in the league. Ideally, a player should be appreciated for the same. LeBron James was, when he went to Miami, and did so in 2012 and 2013.
But KD was thrashed. He told Shams Charania, “Once I left to go to the Warriors, it’s been the gymnastics on how to discredit me every step of the way. It’s like, damn, that’s not even fun no more like engaging with people because y’all aren’t even being truthful. You move the goalpost every time, you expect the most out of me and if I don’t reach it I’m a failure. It’s like, what’s the problem?”
So, even if he rejoins the Warriors and has another successful run, people might very well discredit him as they did the last time. That could be a reason for Durant to bail out as well.
