Kevin Durant Blocked Trade to Golden State, Revealed fallout with Phoenix Suns
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A blockbuster trade that would have sent Kevin Durant back to the Golden State Warriors was actively blocked by the star forward last season, a decision he now says stemmed from a breach of trust with the Phoenix Suns. The details of Durant’s strong opposition, including his candid reaction to learning of the potential deal, were recently revealed on a new season of Netflix’s Starting 5.
A vehement Response
Durant’s initial reaction to the proposed trade was forceful, reportedly stating, “No f–king way they tryna do this s–t behind my back.” This sentiment underscores the level of surprise and displeasure he felt at the prospect of a return to the Warriors without his explicit consent.
Past Success, Present Disinterest
From 2016 to 2019, Durant enjoyed meaningful success with the Warriors, securing back-to-back NBA titles and reaching three consecutive NBA Finals. Despite this history, he demonstrated a clear unwillingness to revisit that chapter of his career.The forward’s decision highlights the complexities of player agency and the importance of control over one’s professional destiny.
Did you know? – Durant’s time with the Warriors was highly triumphant, but he chose not to return. He won two NBA championships and two Finals MVP awards during his tenure with Golden State. His decision to block the trade shows his desire to control his career.
Leveraging Relationships to Halt the Deal
Durant confirmed earlier this offseason that he,alongside his business partner Rich Kleiman,successfully prevented the trade. Speaking at the Game Plan Sports business Summit on September 16, Durant explained how existing relationships, cultivated both during his time with the Warriors and throughout the league, proved crucial.”I heard Golden State was in the mix around the trade deadline, but that’s when Rich came into play, and those relationships that we built around the league and also playing in Golden State helped,” he saeid, adding that they were “able to tell them kind of hold off on that.”
Damage to Trust with the Suns
The trade discussions reportedly strained Durant’s relationship with the Suns’ organization.He admitted to being “a little upset” upon learning of the rumors,feeling that a “solid relationship” had been compromised. “Initially, I was a little upset because I felt lik
Pro tip: – player relationships and trust are vital in the NBA. Durant’s ability to leverage his existing relationships with other teams and his business partner was key to blocking the trade. This highlights the importance of player agency.
a solid relationship, me and the Phoenix Suns,” Durant stated. “And to hear that from a different party was kind of upsetting, but that’s just the name of the game. So I got over that quickly and was trying to figure out what the next steps were.”
A New Chapter with the Rockets
Ultimately, the Suns traded Durant to the Houston Rockets at the start of the current offseason, marking his third team since departing Golden State. As he embarks on this new venture, durant continues to pursue his first NBA Finals appearance as 2019, seeking to add another championship to his illustrious career.
Reader question: – What do you think about Durant’s decision to block the trade and his subsequent move to the Rockets? Do you think he made the right choice for his career? Share your thoughts in the comments.
