The Rift That Wasn’t! Kevin Durant Speaks Out on Draymond Green Rift Rumors
The Golden State Warriors made a push to reunite with Kevin Durant at the trade deadline, but the two-time Finals MVP ultimately decided to stay in Phoenix. Given the history between Durant and Draymond Green , many speculated that lingering tensions with Green were a factor in Durant’s decision to not reunite with Stephen Curry. However, Durant himself has put that theory to rest.
In an exclusive interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews , Kevin Durant addressed the speculation surrounding his name and the Warriors. While Warriors head coach Steve Kerr had previously hinted that criticism from Durant’s first stint with the team might have influenced his reluctance to return, the Suns star was quick to clarify his true reasoning.
I just didn’t want to get traded midway through the season. It was nothing against my time with the Warriors, or I heard it was because I don’t like Draymond. At the end of the day, I just didn’t want to move, and I wanted to see it through with my team in Phoenix and see what we could do for the rest of the season.
Kevin Durant told Malika Andrews
KD’s statement directly shut down the notion that his relationship with Green was a roadblock to reuniting with Stephen Curry. The two have had their differences in the past, but as both players have publicly stated following their split, they moved on long ago. His decision was more about stability as a 36-year-old veteran star in the NBA than any personal issues.
The 15-time All-Star has been vocal in the past about his apparent frustration with the Suns’ considering trading him midseason. He addressed these concerns in the interview as well, bluntly stating that he did not for a trade from Phoenix. While a return to Golden State would have been a major shake-up in the Western Conference, Kevin Durant clearly prefers to finish what he started in Phoenix.
Kevin Durant ‘disappointed’ by performance of Phoenix Big Three
While Kevin Durant remained in Phoenix through a volatile trade deadline, it hasn’t been the smooth ride he envisioned. The Suns entered the All-Star break with a disappointing 26-28 record, currently sitting 11th in the Western Conference, far from the championship contention they were expected to be in after assembling their star trio of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal in 2023.
The Suns’ struggles have led to increasing scrutiny, especially about the success, or lack so of off their big three. Injuries have played a role, particularly with Beal missing significant time, but even when all three stars have been on the floor together, the team has been underwhelming. Durant admitted these disappointing struggles when speaking to Andrews.
We expect a lot out of ourselves individually and it just hasn’t materialized the way we want it to. It’s disappointing to see us play this way.
Kevin Durant was brought to Phoenix in 2023 at his own behest to form an elite offensive trio with Booker. The expectation was that this core would elevate the Suns into a title contender. However, the big three first season together ended in a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2024.
