Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr wouldn't openly say it, but prior to the trade deadline, the squad was in major need of a key improvement.
While Jimmy Butler ended up being who the Warriors landed at the deadline, the club nearly struck a trade to land Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns -- as the superstar forward had already spent three seasons in the Bay Area.
From public comments to not needing a roster upgrade to striking a deal for one of the NBA's best playoff risers, it was understood near the deadline that the Warriors would, indeed, pursue a star player.
The Suns offered Durant in a trade package to the Warriors -- why did a deal not go through?
Durant, himself, cleared the air after rumors were swirling, particularly about his injury and exit from the club in 2019, during an interview with ESPN.
"People talk crazy about me all the time," Durant told ESPN. "That's not the reason why I didn't want to come back. I just didn't want to get traded midway through the season. It was nothing against my time with the Warriors."
As Durant is expected to be dealt this offseason and the Warriors are expected to be aggressive in making roster upgrades, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr opened up about nearly landing the former superstar forward.
"I think it's well documented that we were trying to get Kevin Durant, but that didn't happen," Kerr said. "...And after that, Mike [Dunleavy] calls me and says, 'I think we're going to trade for Jimmy Butler, I'm going to vouch for him. Guy's a gamer, hell of a player, and I think that's gonna work.' And I said, 'Great, let's do it.' We needed a change."
Jimmy Butler
May 8, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) drives to the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) plays defense in the second half during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
The move paid off. Stephen Curry, Butler and Draymond Green had the squad looking like a title contender.
Now, the Warriors have a building block with the trio heading into the offseason, though general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. will need to make more moves to take them to the next level.
With Durant available, will those trade talks with the Suns open up again?