Warriors Didn't Accept Kevin Durant Reality Until Steph Curry Call

The Warriors thought a Kevin Durant homecoming would work, but KD himself had other ideas.

Less than 48 hours before the trade deadline, whispers of KD returning to the Bay emerged.

Then, bam, he was their main priority ahead of the deadline, according to multiple insiders.

However, Durants reaction to this was quite unexpected, at least from the Warriors perspective, Anthony Slater of The Athletic says.

At some point in the last several days, Stephen Curry had a conversation with Kevin Durant that convinced him a reunion was extremely unlikely, no matter how much the Golden State Warriors ownership group and front office collectively underestimated Durants coldness toward a return, as one team source put it, Slater said.

So then, the teams attention turned to Jimmy Butler, who signed a two-year $121M extension with the Dubs after being suspended by the Heat three times for his behavior.

But Curry isnt one who is quick to judge.

Him signing an extension is big, Curry said. Knowing hes committed for this next little run I know there was a lot of drama down there (in Miami). Who really knows what the story is? We expect to have a motivated, committed Jimmy.

I can put myself in his shoes. Hes been away from the game for a minute. Hes been frustrated for whatever reason. When you get into a situation thats a fresh start, it establishes expectations that were all used to that we need to win. We all thrive off that energy. Doesnt mean its going to be easy, doesnt mean there wont be challenges.