"It's really only Golden State" - Analyst ponders explosive Warriors reunion

For not the first time since departing the franchise over four years ago, superstar forward Kevin Durant has been linked with a potential move back to the Golden State Warriors.

Speculation regarding a potential reunion first arose in the 2022 offseason when Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, the team he left the Warriors for in 2019 free agency. The two-time Finals MVP was eventually traded to the Phoenix Suns in February while still holding a further three years on his contract.

Amid reported frustration at the Phoenix Suns, one analyst has again speculated a potential reunion between Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors

Ironically, both Durant and Golden State sit in almost identical positions -- the Suns are 10th in the Western Conference at 15-15, with the Warriors currently 11th at 15-16. But while his former team may be on the rise with a recent five-game winning streak, Phoenix have hit a rough spot with nine losses in their last 13 outings.

Before the Suns' Christmas Day loss against the Dallas Mavericks, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Durant's frustration with the franchise amid their recent struggles.

Having already shown no hesitancy in requesting a trade when he deems necessary, could Durant try and force his way out of Phoenix if their struggles continue? It's an extremely unlikely scenario, but one Bill Simmons has pondered on the latest episode of his podcast.

Outlining potential trade destinations for the 35-year-old, Simmons ruled out a number of suitors before landing on the Warriors as a landing spot for Durant.

""It's really only Golden State. Could he go back to Golden State if this got super unhappy?...I think the owner's (Mat Ishbia) going to be too stubborn to ever, ever abandon ship with KD after less than a year," Simmons said."

Simmons also acknowledged that for the good of his legacy, Durant needs to make it work in Phoenix. The chances of a trade request is incredibly remote, particularly less than 12 months into his career with the Suns.

Durant is averaging 30.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists this season, shooting 49.9% from the floor and 38.7% from three-point range while playing a remarkable 37 minutes per game.