The NBA trade deadline was straight-up madness, but here’s something that might blow your mind—Kevin Durant to the Grizzlies? Yeah, that was apparently on the table. Leaked by ESPN’s Bob Myers, Memphis actually made some calls about KD and Jimmy Butler. Myers, who knows a thing or two about blockbuster deals from his Warriors days, dropped this bomb during NBA Today’s trade special.
Any team would want KD on their side. Except for the Phoenix Suns. Once they realized they can’t get rid of Bradley Beal, so the Slim Reaper was on their list next. The ex-Warriors GM actually had a chance to meet the 2x Finals MVP at a football game few weeks ago.
During NBA Today’s trade deadline special, Myers opened up about Durant’s reaction to hearing his name in trade rumors, making it clear that KD never wanted to leave Phoenix. “And I asked him before all this, and I said, hey, are you good? Are you happy? And he said to my face, I don’t want to go anywhere.”
Yet, despite his stance, Durant found himself at the center of speculation. Myers explained just how blindsided the Suns star was. “But then, when you hear your name being mentioned out of, um, for him, at least, I think it was a shock. He was kind of like I didn’t. I didn’t push for this. I didn’t ask for this and then to hear all the people speculating on the Warriors.” The Warriors wanted him again, the Heat did too. Even the Timberwolves and as Myers revealed the Grizzlies wanted him too.
Feb 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Damion Lee (10) and forward Kevin Durant (35) watch as their team play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of a game at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
But this latest trade deadline chaos? That’s a different story. “But now, if you’re Kevin right to your question. Yeah, you’re sitting there, going hang on a second here. Yeah, I am doing what you pay me to do on playing basketball, I’m playing at a very good high rate. Um, and now I hear my name being mentioned.”
It’s no surprise that Durant is shaken by all of this. Myers reminded everyone that KD, despite being one of the greatest players of his generation, is still human. Ramona Shelburne revealed that the Suns have a toxic atmosphere now. Because when you blindside a star like that, then everyone on the team is wondering they could be next.
Well, for now it looks like KD is staying at Phoenix, but now he knows they tried to trade him without him asking for it. After Myers knew he wasn’t going anywhere, it was Stephen Curry who knew as well.
Stephen Curry knew Kevin Durant wasn’t coming back to the Bay Area
Stephen Curry recently got a reality check—Kevin Durant isn’t coming back to Golden State. After chatting with the Suns star, Curry walked away knowing a reunion was off the table.
According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, KD made it clear that rejoining the Warriors was “extremely unlikely.” A team source even admitted the Warriors underestimated just how “cold” Durant was toward the idea. That’s pretty telling, considering how much success he had there.
Back in 2016, KD could’ve signed anywhere. He picked Golden State, won two championships, grabbed two Finals MVPs, and still took all the heat while the Warriors’ front office and stars avoided criticism. After three seasons, he left for Brooklyn. Now? He’s not looking back.
Feb 10, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) talk during the second half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
The Warriors tried, but once it was clear Durant wasn’t interested, they moved on. Instead of waiting around, they pulled off a four-team trade, landing Jimmy Butler from Miami. Per ESPN’s Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst, Butler will sign a two-year, $111 million extension, locking in a new core with Curry, Draymond Green, and rising talents like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski.
Right now, both the Warriors and Suns are 25-25, battling for a play-in spot. Phoenix holds the 10th seed, with Golden State right behind at 11th. Could KD still get traded before the deadline? Maybe. But turning down the Warriors makes one thing clear—he’s staying in Phoenix with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
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