Kevin Durant found a new home with the Houston Rockets, but the path to Texas nearly took a detour through familiar territory.
The Golden State Warriors made a serious push to bring back their former superstar at the trade deadline, hoping to reunite the two-time Finals MVP with the franchise where he captured championships in 2017 and 2018.
Durant had other plans. Despite Golden State’s interest, he ultimately declined the trade that would have sent him from Phoenix back to the Bay Area.
The decision stemmed from lingering philosophical differences with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
“Durant’s exit from the Bay Area arguably had more to do with his issues with Steve Kerr than any shouting match with Green. Durant repeatedly complained both publicly and privately about Kerr’s offensive principles during his final season with the Warriors, and he continued to do so even after he left for Brooklyn. The two have since reconciled, but league sources identify Kerr as among the reasons Durant opted not to return to Golden State at the trade deadline,” Logan Murdock reported, per NBA Central.
Steve Kerr was reportedly one of the reasons Kevin Durant wasn’t interested in returning to Golden State, per @loganmmurdock
“Durant’s exit from the Bay Area arguably had more to do with his issues with Steve Kerr than any shouting match with Green. Durant repeatedly complained… pic.twitter.com/Zzri61Ruyn
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 24, 2025
Those tensions, which developed during Durant’s final season in Golden State, apparently remained strong enough to influence his trade preferences years later.
Golden State had envisioned reuniting Durant with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, banking on their proven chemistry to chase more titles.
The Warriors even explored a complex three-team deal involving Jimmy Butler that could have made the reunion possible.
In Houston, the appeal was clear. A fresh opportunity, an exciting young roster, and a coach Durant already trusts.
Ime Udoka, Durant’s former coach in Brooklyn and with Team USA, was a significant factor in the equation. The Rockets had just wrapped up a 52-win season, securing the second seed in the Western Conference.
But after being knocked out in the first round, they were left searching for that true go-to scorer. At 36, Durant brings championship experience to a young Houston roster with playoff aspirations.
The Warriors now move forward without their former cornerstone, searching for new ways to maximize their remaining championship window.
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