Kevin Durant not reuniting with Steph Curry could be due to underlying ‘feelings’, says former teammate

Kevin Durant was reportedly against the idea of reuniting with Stephen Curry after trade deadline rumors set the two on course for a reunion.

Kevin Durant not reuniting with Steph Curry could be due to underlying ‘feelings’, says former teammate

Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry (Images via USA Basketball/X)

Over the year’s, pairing the biggest superstars in the NBA has been the best formula for success. From Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, to Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant – star duo’s seem to be a proven recipe for a championship. One of the greatest duo’s to ever play together, almost reunited this trade deadline, but it seems like Kevin Durant was not open to a reunion with Stephen Curry.

Former Golden State Warriors teammate of Durant and Curry, Matt Barnes, appeared on the KG Certified podcast where he revealed why the reunion between the two stars failed to happen this season. Towards the end of the deadline, significant steam had built up in the NBA for a possible reunion between the two stars on the Warriors. But Barnes revealed that Kevin Durant’s feelings may have prevented the trade.

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It looked like like there could still be some hard feelings over there. ‘Cause if we’re thinking the big picture, KD over there, gives them a chance (to win a championship)… Then when I heard, he didn’t want to, this has to be deeper than… ‘cause KD – he picks himself up and goes. It’s not like kids are in school and that kind of sh*t. It had to be deeper than relocation for that paper.

Matt Barnes told Kevin Garnett

Kevin Durant remains one of the most dominant scorers in the NBA, putting up 27.1 points per game this season. However, despite his stellar individual performance, the Phoenix Suns have struggled managing a sub-.500 record with just about a quarter of the season left. With the Warriors in a similar boat prior to the deadline, Durant and Stephen Curry reuniting on the Warriors for one last hurrah made all the sense in the world.

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On paper, the move made perfect sense. The Warriors have been searching for additional offensive firepower, and Kevin Durant’s return alongside a perpetual offensive weapon like Curry, could have given them a legitimate shot at another title. But when the rumors gained traction, Durant quickly shut down the idea, making it clear that a return to Golden State was not on the table.

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Kevin Durant may part ways with Phoenix Suns this summer

While Kevin Durant stayed put at the trade deadline, his future in Phoenix remains uncertain. With the team underperforming and deep in the luxury tax, a major roster shakeup could be coming in the offseason. KD himself has remained diplomatic about the rumors, addressing the reports of the Suns willingness to listen to offers for him after the trade deadline.

It’s just part of the business. Everybody’s bought and sold in this league. Anybody can be up for auction, so I understand that… I always had a goal of just playing my contract out and seeing what happens. I can’t focus on a year and a half down the line. I know that will be a topic.

Kevin Durant told reporters

The Suns are projected to enter the offseason as a second-apron team under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, meaning they face severe financial restrictions on improving their roster. With a nearly $230 million payroll and an additional $100 million in luxury tax penalties, the team has little flexibility to make the necessary changes to compete at a higher level.

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Especially after the Suns had reportedly already zeroed in on a trade to send Kevin Durant to Golden State, expect the summer to be a tumultuous time, with KD possibly hitting the trade market once again. As Durant will be entering the final year of his contract, he will have some leverage in deciding where he wants to go. However, the Suns will have to navigate salary-matching restrictions, which does complicate any trade scenarios.