When Kevin Durant hit the trade block some time ago, the Golden State Warriors were a clear favourite. There was a continuous rumor about the Phoenix Suns trading him away to the Bay Area team.
It was around the same time that they were also the favorite to land Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. But things were not straightforward.
Durant chose to block this trade due to his desire not to work under Warriors head coach Steve Kerr again, as per The Ringer’s Logan Murdock. Following this decision, the Warriors went ahead and acquired Butler instead.
“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,” Mudrock wrote.
Steve Kerr was reportedly one of the reasons Kevin Durant wasn’t interested in returning to Golden State, per @loganmmurdock
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 24, 2025
“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
According to Murdock, Durant’s departure from the Warriors was largely influenced by his issues with Kerr, rather than any conflict with teammate Draymond Green. This disagreement over Kerr’s offensive strategies persisted for Durant even during his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets.
Although Kerr and Durant have gone their separate ways, sources suggest that Kerr’s presence was a significant factor in Durant’s decision not to return to Golden State.
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Kevin Durant Had A Great Run During His Time At The Warriors
Despite the rift with Kerr, Durant has a successful history with the Warriors. His stint included two championships and Finals MVP awards in 2017 and 2018.
However, he suffered a serious injury in the 2019 NBA Finals, which led him to sign with the Brooklyn Nets thereafter. In 2023, he was traded to the Suns, albeit with limited postseason success.
Currently, the Houston Rockets have made a major trade for Durant, sending young players and draft picks to Phoenix. Additionally, Durant could also extend his contract if he feels right being around the players.
Also Read: Devin Booker’s True Feelings About His Future Emerge After Kevin Durant’s Stunning Suns Exit
