The futility of the Phoenix Suns, the struggles of the Los Angeles Lakers, even the troubles the Philadelphia 76ers are having with the New York Knicks — they’re all illustrative of the league’s shift. It was evident during the regular season and is proving true in the playoffs. Winning in the modern NBA is much less about star power and experience, the hinges on which the Golden State Warriors’ hopes swung. Those traits are being conquered with athleticism, shooting, flexibility of style and chemistry. Aggressiveness is employed on both ends like a double-edged sword.
Golden State CEO Joe Lacob has on several occasions made it clear that he did not understand why Durant chose to leave via sign-and-trade with the Brooklyn Nets in July 2019.
The idea of KD returning to the Warriors remains appealing in 2024. He’s still playing at All-Star level, and those in the Golden State front office are entering an offseason during which they will explore all options to open next season with an NBA championship-caliber roster.
The possibility of reacquiring Durant might never be higher than now, as the 35-year-old forward is displeased with his role with the Phoenix Suns, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported, citing sources.
KD’s season ended Sunday with the most humiliating NBA playoff outcome, the Minnesota Timberwolves sweeping the Suns into the offseason.
This represents for Durant a continuation of competitive futility that runs counter to his three seasons with the Warriors. The Suns, after all, were assembled at great expense by an aggressive new controlling owner and governor, Mat Ishbia, to win now.
The same could be said of Durant’s previous team, the Nets, also assembled at great cost and installed as the preseason favorite for the 2021-22 title. They finished with a 44-38 record and were swept in the first round by the Boston Celtics, who reached The Finals – and were defeated by the Warriors.
Which is not to suggest that Durant’s last five years have been in vain. He made a spectacular recovery from the ruptured right Achilles’ tendon he sustained in Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Warriors and the Toronto Raptors. KD has regained his All-Star form.
