Refused to join! Durant admitted to rejecting the Warriors deal!

"I personally rejected the deal that could bring me back to the Golden State Warriors." Durant recently admitted in public for the first time that he blocked a three-party deal that could shock the league before the closing date of last season's trade. In the mid-2024-2025 season, the Warriors management quietly launched a major operation. According to multiple media reports, the Warriors, Suns and Heat are close to reaching a complicated three-party deal!

In the trading framework, the Warriors will send Wiggins, Kumingga and Payton II and draft picks, and get Durant from the Suns; the Heat will get Wiggins and other players; the Suns will get Butler and draft picks. This plan seems to be each needed, but it is still born due to one person's opposition - Durant and his brokerage team directly intervened in the deal.

Durant explained: "I don't want to be traded midway through the season because this change will cause too much interference, which will not only affect the stability of the entire team, but also affect the stability of the entire team." Although he transferred from the Nets to the Suns in the middle of the season, this time he made it clear that he refused to switch teams midway. Behind Durant's refusal is a contradiction that he cannot let go of during the Warriors. Although he helped the Warriors win two consecutive championships in 2017 and 2018 and won the FMVP twice, he has never truly integrated into the team's core circle in Golden State.

local fans never regarded him as a "hired star", but more of a "mercenary". This close relationship made Durant feel disappointed, especially when he realized that no matter how good he performed, it could not replace Curry's position in the hearts of the fans.

But the most important thing is Durant's two FMVPs, which also aroused strong dissatisfaction from Green. You should know that as Curry's absolute supporter and locker room leader, what his dissatisfaction will bring to Durant? I don't think I need to elaborate too much!

is like a company employee with outstanding performance and won the sales championship all year round, but he is not in harmony with the team, is excluded, and eventually changes jobs. Will he return to his original company? The answer is obvious!

Although the Warriors made a lot of efforts before Durant refused to join. Cole publicly expressed his appreciation for Durant and even blamed himself for Durant's departure. Cole once said sincerely: "Of course! I hope he can retire with the Golden State Warriors, and even continue to stay in the team after retirement and serve as the player assistant coach." This almost apology recruiting attitude reflects the Warriors management's strong desire to welcome Durant back.

But as the fans said: Once some cracks are formed, they will be difficult to completely repair! Although the Warriors did not win Durant in the end, they welcomed Butler, and Butler's joining brought immediate results to the Warriors. Data shows that after the trade, the Warriors averaged points per game jumped from 111.5 points to 121.2 points, with an assist-and-turnover ratio of 2.7, and their defensive efficiency also increased from the middle and lower reaches of the league to the second in the league under a small sample.

Now Durant has opened a new chapter in the Rockets, and the Warriors have fully entered the "Butler era". Despite their different trajectories, both sides seem to have found a development path that is more suitable for them. Although Rockets Van Jordan suffered a torn cruciate ligament and may be reimbursed for the season, Durant's joining, plus rising stars such as Amen and Shepold, it may be a good thing for the Rockets!