The Warriors thought a Kevin Durant homecoming would work, but KD himself had other ideas.
Less than 48 hours before the trade deadline, whispers of KD returning to the Bay emerged.
Then, bam, he was their “main priority” ahead of the deadline, according to multiple insiders.
However, Durant’s reaction to this was quite unexpected, at least from the Warriors’ perspective, Anthony Slater of The Athletic says.
“At some point in the last several days, Stephen Curry had a conversation with Kevin Durant that convinced him a reunion was extremely unlikely, no matter how much the Golden State Warriors ownership group and front office collectively “underestimated” Durant’s coldness toward a return, as one team source put it,” Slater said.
So then, the team’s attention turned to Jimmy Butler, who signed a two-year $121M extension with the Dubs after being suspended by the Heat three times for his behavior.
But Curry isn’t one who is quick to judge.
“Him signing an extension is big,” Curry said. “Knowing he’s committed for this next little run … I know there was a lot of drama down there (in Miami). Who really knows what the story is? We expect to have a motivated, committed Jimmy.
“I can put myself in his shoes. He’s been away from the game for a minute. He’s been frustrated for whatever reason. When you get into a situation that’s a fresh start, it establishes expectations that we’re all used to that we need to win. We all thrive off that energy. Doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy, doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges.”
NBA fans and media alike have questions around how Butler and hot head Draymond Green will fit together, as it is two of the biggest personalities in the league collide, but Green doesn’t seem worried – although it has to be said that Draymond was one of the main reasons KD left Golden State in the first place.
“He win? I win? That’s the fit. Winners win,” Green said. “He’s a winner. Perennial All-Star. Tough as nails. Just f—ing get the job done however it needs to be done.”
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