After Being Rejected in a Trade, Durant Shares a Message with Warriors Supporters
In the world of professional sports, especially the NBA, trade rumors and player movements are always at the forefront of discussions. One player who has been at the center of several trade talks throughout his illustrious career is Kevin Durant. Known for his exceptional scoring ability, versatility, and basketball IQ, Durant’s every move is closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. In the most recent development, Durant’s name surfaced in trade rumors that ultimately did not materialize, leading to his decision to share a heartfelt message with fans of his former team, the Golden State Warriors.
Durant’s departure from the Warriors after the 2018-2019 season was one of the most talked-about moments in recent NBA history. The 2016 MVP had joined Golden State in the summer of 2016, in one of the most controversial moves in the NBA, and was part of the Warriors’ back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018. Durant’s move to the Warriors was meant to strengthen an already stacked team, and it did just that. However, the resulting success also sparked debates over player loyalty, the fairness of superteams, and whether Durant’s championships would be considered legitimate.
The Breakup with the Warriors
In the summer of 2019, Durant made the decision to leave the Warriors and sign with the Brooklyn Nets, marking the end of his tenure with the team. The departure, while anticipated, left a void for the Warriors and their fans. Durant had been a crucial part of their championship success, and his exit was a reminder of the fragility of superstar relationships in the NBA.
Although Durant’s decision to leave Golden State wasn’t a shock, it didn’t come without its share of drama. There were reports of a fractured relationship between him and the Warriors, particularly with Draymond Green, which was seen as a catalyst for Durant’s eventual departure. The public spat between the two players, followed by Durant’s injury in the 2019 Finals, seemed to signify a natural end to his time in Golden State. Still, the breakup left many fans of the Warriors feeling jilted and betrayed, and Durant’s departure was a bittersweet moment for both the team and its fanbase.
Since leaving the Warriors, Durant’s career has taken various turns. He continued to perform at an elite level with the Nets, leading them to multiple playoff appearances and solidifying his place as one of the greatest players of his generation. However, the prospect of a return to Golden State has always lingered in the air, especially given the team’s struggles to replicate the success they enjoyed with Durant on the roster. As the 2024 NBA season unfolded, trade rumors began to swirl once again, this time suggesting that Durant might be available for a move back to Golden State.
The Trade Rumor
In early 2025, reports surfaced suggesting that Durant was being offered by the Brooklyn Nets in a trade that would see him return to the Warriors. While the specifics of the trade were not fully disclosed, the idea of Durant rejoining the Warriors, who had gone through their own period of rebuilding since his departure, was intriguing to many. Golden State’s fanbase, still fond of Durant for the championships he helped bring to the franchise, began to buzz with excitement at the possibility of reuniting with the former MVP.
However, despite the potential for a blockbuster move, the trade did not materialize. Reports later revealed that the Warriors had rejected the idea of acquiring Durant in exchange for several of their key players and assets. The reasons behind the rejection were not entirely clear, but some speculated that the Warriors’ management felt the need to build their team around younger players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, rather than bringing back a player who was already in his mid-30s. Others believed that the team’s chemistry, which had been slowly improving in recent years, would be disrupted by Durant’s return.
In the wake of the trade rejection, Durant took to social media to address the situation and share a message with the Warriors’ fanbase. His post was thoughtful, reflective, and aimed at clarifying his feelings regarding his past with the team and his relationship with the supporters who had once cheered for him.
Durant’s Message to Warriors Fans
Kevin Durant’s message to the Warriors fans was heartfelt and showed his deep appreciation for the time he spent with the team. In the message, Durant expressed gratitude for the championships, the camaraderie with his teammates, and the memories he had built with the Warriors organization.
“I want to take a moment to thank the Golden State Warriors and their incredible fanbase,” Durant wrote. “I’ll always remember the love and support you all showed me during my time in the Bay Area. We achieved so much together, and I’ll always cherish those moments, especially the championships and the bond we built as a team. My decision to leave wasn’t easy, but it was what was best for me at the time. I want you all to know that I will always hold the Warriors in the highest regard. Thank you for everything.”
Durant continued by acknowledging that his departure from Golden State had left some fans feeling hurt, and he understood the emotions that came with his decision. “I know that my leaving wasn’t easy for some of you. It wasn’t easy for me either. But we all move forward in this journey called life, and I’ll never forget what we accomplished together. I want to say thank you to the fans who supported me, even when things got tough. You were always there for me, and that means the world to me.”
While Durant expressed gratitude, he also made it clear that he was not bitter about the Warriors rejecting the trade offer. “I understand why the Warriors made their decision. They’ve got a solid team, and they’re looking ahead to the future. I’ve got nothing but respect for their organization and for the direction they’re heading. I’m just happy to be in a place where I’m able to play the game I love and continue to grow as a player. As for a return to Golden State, I’ve got no hard feelings. If that was meant to happen, it would have, but sometimes things just don’t work out the way we expect.”
Durant’s message also served as a reminder that professional sports are a business, and the decisions made by teams and players are often dictated by factors that go beyond personal relationships. He acknowledged the reality of the NBA, where trades and roster changes are a constant part of the landscape. “At the end of the day, this is a business, and the Warriors have to do what’s best for their team. I respect that, and I respect the people involved in making those decisions. This is how the game works, and I’m just fortunate to be a part of it.”
The Future for Durant and the Warriors
While the idea of Durant returning to Golden State might not have come to fruition this time, it’s clear that both Durant and the Warriors have mutual respect for one another. The Warriors are in a transitional phase, with Curry, Thompson, and Green getting older, while young talents like Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and James Wiseman continue to develop. The team’s success in the coming years will largely depend on how they balance their veteran core with the emergence of younger players. Durant, meanwhile, is focused on his own journey with the Brooklyn Nets, which still has a lot of potential despite some recent setbacks.
Whether or not Durant ever returns to Golden State remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his time with the Warriors will always be remembered as a golden era in the franchise’s history. Durant helped elevate the Warriors to new heights, bringing them two more championships and cementing their legacy as one of the greatest teams the NBA has ever seen.
For Warriors fans, Durant’s message should serve as a reminder that while the business of basketball may involve rejections and trade rumors, the relationships built on the court and the shared memories are what truly matter. As both Durant and the Warriors continue their journeys, it’s clear that their paths will always be intertwined by the championships they won together. And for Durant, the Warriors will always hold a special place in his heart, as will the fans who supported him during his time in the Bay Area.
In the end, it’s not about the trade offers or the rejections—it’s about the love of the game, the memories created, and the respect that endures, no matter where the journey takes you.