A Warrior’s homecoming. This is everything the Dub Nation wanted. This is everything the Dub Nation needed. But sadly, the front office failed to keep their words and ambitions on track. No, Kevin Durant won’t be wearing the Golden State Warriors jersey again, as he did from 2016 to 2019. Instead, it’s Jimmy Butler who’ll be playing alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. So, no homecoming, and no reunion. Sad, right?
But wait, ESPN’s veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith might have something to say about Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s unfulfilled dream. It’s safe to say, the Slim Reaper wasn’t particularly invested in reuniting with his ex-team. What?
So, on The Stephen A. Smith Show, SAS noted: “Kevin Durant has spoken. So folks could stop speaking for him. And Kevin Durant stated emphatically that he has absolutely positively no interest in returning to the Golden State Warriors.” That sounds and seems like a shocking nightmare. The 36-year-old superstar didn’t want to go back to the Bay Area.
Jan 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
This is the same team he helped win back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018. He played with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and others. Smith adds: “He would have three-peated with ease had he not torn his Achilles.”
At the same time, ESPN’s senior insider Brian Windhorst also backed the matter saying: “Durant stepped up and made it known that he did not want a reunion.” And therefore, once that deal with the Phoenix Suns went out of the window, the Heat came into the picture and Jimmy Butler landed himself a contract with the Dubs.
Oddly enough, there isn’t so much joy around given Butler’s entry into the Warriors scenes. Maybe, the fans were hoping for a known face, precisely Kevin Durant to walk back into the Chase Center, but not as rivals, but as the homeboy instead.
No Kevin Durant trade brings wrath upon Mike Dunleavy Jr.
More than anything else, the Dub Nation is concerned about one thing. And that is, what if the Warriors’ locker room turns into a fighting arena? Well, you know, with two aggressive players like Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green on the team… but that’s just because fans are skeptical. However, someone actually commented with a GIF of two people fighting. Should Mike Dunleavy Jr. be concerned?
Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green AFTER THE FIRST PRACTICE pic.twitter.com/oR0D75OVwk
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) February 6, 2025
Another fan called out the Warriors GM saying: “Mike Dunleavy Jr gotta be the worst GM in the league.” Well, that might be a stretch to call him the worst. But, given how the fans were hoping to see Kevin Durant back into the Dubs locker room, this sentiment truly makes sense. There were reports that the front office was aggressively pursuing the Suns star, hoping for a return. But instead, now they have Butler with a two-year extension with the team
“Mike Dunleavy Jr. once again proving why he is the worst GM in the league. Let me consider every possibly thing and then actually you know what, I’m good with our 25-24 MID team, so let’s DO NOTHING to win a championship. Dude will be gone in a year or two. Dude is all talk.” This has to be one of the most brutal comments out there. Undoubtedly, the fans are upset with the front office. Yes, the GM has good relations with Butler, but given his records with every team he’s been on, this trade seems risky. The fans have always questioned the 6x All-Star’s availability and loyalty towards the franchises. What if Butler fails the Warriors like he failed the Heat? Are the Dubs in such a position to risk things? Surely not.
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