A Warrior’s homecoming. This is everything the Dub Nation wanted. This is everything the Dub Nation needed. But sadly, the front office failed to keep their words and ambitions on track. No, Kevin Durant won’t be wearing the Golden State Warriors jersey again, as he did from 2016 to 2019. Instead, it’s Jimmy Butler who’ll be playing alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. So, no homecoming, and no reunion. Sad, right?
But wait, ESPN’s veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith might have something to say about Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s unfulfilled dream. It’s safe to say, the Slim Reaper wasn’t particularly invested in reuniting with his ex-team. What?
So, on The Stephen A. Smith Show, SAS noted: “Kevin Durant has spoken. So folks could stop speaking for him. And Kevin Durant stated emphatically that he has absolutely positively no interest in returning to the Golden State Warriors.” That sounds and seems like a shocking nightmare. The 36-year-old superstar didn’t want to go back to the Bay Area.
Jan 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
This is the same team he helped win back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018. He played with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and others. Smith adds: “He would have three-peated with ease had he not torn his Achilles.”
At the same time, ESPN’s senior insider Brian Windhorst also backed the matter saying: “Durant stepped up and made it known that he did not want a reunion.” And therefore, once that deal with the Phoenix Suns went out of the window, the Heat came into the picture and Jimmy Butler landed himself a contract with the Dubs.
Oddly enough, there isn’t so much joy around given Butler’s entry into the Warriors scenes. Maybe, the fans were hoping for a known face, precisely Kevin Durant to walk back into the Chase Center, but not as rivals, but as the homeboy instead.
This is a developing story…
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