Overview
- Durant said he learned through others that Phoenix was shopping him around February and described feeling disappointed before focusing on next steps.
- He credited longtime business partner Rich Kleiman with leading the effort to tell Golden State to hold off on a reunion.
- ESPN reporting indicated the Warriors explored a multi-team framework with significant players and draft capital, aligning with Durant’s concern about depleted depth.
- Golden State pivoted and acquired Jimmy Butler in a separate multi-team deal after the Durant talks faded.
- Durant finished the season with the Suns and was dealt to the Rockets in a seven-team trade over the summer; The Athletic reports Houston and Durant are expected to agree on an extension.