The Golden State Warriors wanted to reunite with Kevin Durant prior to February's mid-season trade deadline, only for the 2x Finals MVP to essentially block a deal between the Phoenix Suns and his former team.
Now Durant is back on the trade market and likely to find a new team sooner rather than later, but the Warriors may have missed their opportunity to once again pair the 36-year-old with fellow all-time great Stephen Curry.
The Suns asking price for Kevin Durant has become clearer
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The good news is that [Kelly Iko of The Athletic](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6396071/2025/06/03/rockets-steven-adams-giannis-antetokounmpo-nba-draft/) has reported that the Suns have "gradually lowered" their asking price for Durant. Had the Warriors completed a deal before the mid-season deadline -- at a point where they were desperate for a second star -- then they would have likely had to give up Andrew Wiggins along with a host of assets like Jonathan Kuminga and multiple first-round picks. Instead, Durant's rejection turned Golden State's focus to Jimmy Butler who came at less of a cost but who still delivered incredible impact over the final months of the season.
The bad news is that even if the Warriors wanted to pursue a Durant reunion again, it's going to be much tougher to pull off even with a lower asking price. Iko reports that Phoenix has a desire to recoup some of their own draft capital in a Durant deal, placing the Houston Rockets in a great position given they own the Suns first-round pick this year (10th overall), their pick in 2027, and have the right to swap in 2029.
Sure, Golden State could still theoretically complete a multi-team trade that lands them Durant and returns Phoenix their own picks, but why would Houston -- as a direct conference rival and who just lost to the Warriors in the playoffs -- want to help them out in a deal?
The Suns were ready to complete a Durant deal with the Warriors in February, but it appears their incentives have now changed to a point where a reunion is highly unlikely. The only sign of optimism is that the 15x All-Star is entering an expiring contract, giving him significant power in directing where he would like to go.
There is no indication that Golden State want to pursue a Durant deal again, but their heavy interest just months ago suggests it could still be a possibility. Durant's $54.7 million deal for next season means the Warriors would have to build a trade around Butler or veteran forward Draymond Green in order to match salaries.