Kevin Durant Trade Rumors: Concern over Star's 'True Willingness' to Rejoin Warriors

The Golden State Warriors are somewhat concerned about Kevin Durant's "true willingness" for a reunion if they were to work out a trade with the Phoenix Suns, according to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.

Durant is one of multiple targets of the Warriors prior to Thursday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline. ESPN's Shams Charania reported Monday on The Pat McAfee Show they're inquiring "about every All-Star player."

When it comes to Durant, getting the Suns to agree to a deal is the first hurdle.

It's one thing for Phoenix to move Bradley Beal, who's no longer a starter and has one of the worst contracts in the NBA. There's no way the Suns trade Durant and avoid getting worse in the short term.

But Fischer reported Monday that Phoenix is "believed to be listening at the very least to various teams' pitches." Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix followed up to report the opinion of some NBA executives is that "the Suns are strongly considering Durant deals before the deadline."

According to Fischer, Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga is a player of some interest within Phoenix's front office, so a swap centered around KD at least looks plausible.

Golden State might balk, however, if it senses the 15-time All-Star is less than enthused about playing in the Bay Area again. He doesn't have a no-trade clause, but it sort of defeats the purpose of a win-now trade if the star you acquired is unhappy or reticent from the jump.

Durant's Warriors tenure and his exit in free agency have been scrutinized in thorough detail. After three years there, he was simply ready to move on.

Maybe he'll feel differently now about the idea of putting on a Golden State uniform again. His relationship with Draymond Green seems to be in a much better place. Bob Myers is no longer the general manager, which might be a good thing. Most importantly, all of the key figures within the franchise are at different points in their lives than they were in 2019, having gained more wisdom and perspective that comes with age.

Yet, after achieving basically everything he can with the Warriors, Durant could conclude he's been there, done that and prefers to pursue a different challenge.