Warriors and Durant would have no interest in reunion

The Golden State Warriors and their former two-time Finals MVP, Kevin Durant, are miles apart in their respective situations.

Yet, the chaotic state of affairs in Brooklyn may open the opportunity for Durant to become a Warrior again. Even with the recent news of Kyrie Irving’s opt-in decision, there’s still a good bit of unknown.

Despite a potentially lucrative trade package, there’s likely to be little mutual interest in a reunion between the Golden State Warriors and Kevin Durant. 

But as the circumstances at the Nets become more and more calamitous, and the idea of Durant wanting out becomes plausible, the 2022 champions will likely be one of the last teams in the market for the Nets superstar.

The Warriors long imagined their dream of a championship-contending core while maintaining young, talented prospects. The first step was a resounding success, lifting the title when few thought possible.

But Golden State isn’t done. For owner Joe Lacob and the entire front office, this is just the beginning of a long-term path.

"“I know we — I, [general manager Bob Myers], the organization — took some criticism from some people that we should trade all the draft pieces that we have to get one more great player or whatever. I was very adamant about it, and so was Bob. That was not the path that we were going down."

So, even if that great player is Kevin Durant, the Warriors will likely bite their tongue and remain on course – the 2022 championship is substantial, undeniable evidence of it proving successful to date.

Since Durant’s departure, the Warriors have acquired Jordan Poole and developed him into a player with All-Star potential. They’ve had three lottery picks in James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.

The sign-and-trade that sent Durant to Brooklyn eventually resulted in Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins, perhaps the Warriors’ second-best player in the Finals.

To re-acquire Durant, Golden State would have to give up at least four of those players, if not all five. There’d need to be an extraordinary, unforeseeable change in circumstances for them to even consider making that move.

Durant likely would be resistant to a move back to the Bay Area, not that he’d necessarily have the choice in a trade scenario. A return to the Warriors would be a full-circle moment, a final conclusion and understanding that Durant’s initial move to the Nets was nothing short of a regretful one.

The 33-year-old has too much pride to admit that, at least not while his career is ongoing. A return back to Golden State would limit the growth of his legacy, which is the exact reason he left in the first place.

After Stephen Curry led the Warriors to their fourth title in eight seasons, many have now catapulted him above Durant in all-time rankings. If the pair were to team up again, then the latter is consigned to his place behind Curry on that list.

The only way he can possible overtake him is by winning a championship with a different franchise.

Durant and the Warriors were once a perfect match – two titles may have been three if not for his Achilles tear. But there were very apparent reasons as to why he left after just three seasons, ones that still ring true another three years on.

Meanwhile, the Warriors have moved on to, well, winning again. This season proved they don’t need Durant, nor another great player, to conquer the league and continue their dynastic run.