More than four years after Kevin Durant’s departure from the Golden State Warriors, new reports suggest that Steph Curry and Durant recently had a conversation, shedding light on the lingering impact of Durant’s exit. According to sources, the Warriors may have miscalculated Durant’s mindset, with some in the organization believing he was more invested in the team’s culture than he actually was.
The latest revelations indicate that Golden State “underestimated” Durant’s coldness, particularly when it came to his decision-making and willingness to walk away from a dynasty after three straight NBA Finals appearances.
So, what was discussed between Curry and Durant? And how did the Warriors fail to fully understand Durant’s approach to his time in Golden State? Let’s break it all down.
What Was Said in the Curry-Durant Conversation?
While the details of their conversation remain private, reports suggest that Curry and Durant spoke about their time together and how things played out in Golden State.
Key Takeaways from the Report:
- Curry reportedly wanted to reflect on their time together and clear up any lingering tension.
- Durant, meanwhile, stood by his decision to leave, emphasizing that it was never about personal issues with teammates—it was simply a career move that made sense for him.
- The Warriors’ front office believed Durant was more emotionally attached to the team, when in reality, he always viewed his time there as temporary.
- One source described Durant’s approach as “cold”, suggesting that he was always prepared to leave once the situation no longer aligned with his personal goals.
Despite their historic success together, the conversation made it clear that Durant’s decision was business, not personal.
How the Warriors “Underestimated” KD’s Coldness
When the Warriors signed Durant in 2016, they built a dynasty that won two championships and came close to a third before injuries derailed their 2019 Finals run. However, the front office and players may have misread Durant’s commitment to the long-term vision of the franchise.
1. Durant Never Fully Bought Into Warriors Culture
- Unlike Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, who were drafted by the Warriors and emotionally tied to the team, Durant was brought in as an outsider to help win titles.
- While he respected the system and the organization, he reportedly felt that he would never truly be “one of them.”
- The infamous Draymond Green-KD argument in 2018 only highlighted this tension, with Green reportedly telling Durant, “We won without you, we don’t need you.”
2. Durant’s Exit Was Always a Possibility
- Many within the Warriors’ organization assumed Durant would stay long-term, but in reality, he was always considering other options.
- Durant wanted to control his own legacy, which eventually led him to leave for Brooklyn to form a team with Kyrie Irving.
- The Warriors may have believed they could convince him to stay, but Durant’s mindset was always about what was best for him, not the team’s long-term future.
3. Durant’s Decision Was Business, Not Personal
- The report suggests that Durant’s departure was not about tension with teammates but rather his desire to create something new elsewhere.
- Some within the Warriors organization took his exit personally, believing he was fully bought into their dynasty, when in reality, he was always ready to move on.
In hindsight, the Warriors misjudged Durant’s outlook—he saw his time in Golden State as a successful chapter, but not a lifelong commitment.
Did the Warriors Handle KD’s Departure Correctly?
Looking back, could the Warriors have done anything differently to keep Durant?
What They Did Right
- Gave Durant complete offensive freedom in their system.
- Made him the clear No. 1 option despite Curry’s presence.
- Defended him publicly when media and fans criticized his decision to leave.
What They Misjudged
- Assumed Durant was as emotionally invested as Curry, Thompson, and Green.
- Underestimated his independence and desire to forge his own path.
- Failed to smooth over locker room tensions, particularly after the Draymond incident.
Even if the Warriors had done everything perfectly, Durant’s decision likely wouldn’t have changed. He always wanted to carve his own legacy, and Golden State was just a step in that journey.
Where Do Curry and Durant Stand Now?
Despite the complicated history, Curry and Durant remain on good terms. Both have spoken highly of each other in interviews, acknowledging that their time together resulted in some of the most dominant basketball in NBA history.
- Curry has praised Durant for elevating the Warriors to an unbeatable level.
- Durant has acknowledged that Golden State was the most talented team he ever played on.
- Both players understand that their run was legendary, even if it ended sooner than many expected.
Could a Reunion Ever Happen?
With Durant now on the Phoenix Suns, a return to Golden State seems unlikely. However, if circumstances change in the future, there is always a chance Durant could return for one last run with Curry.
For now, though, both superstars are focused on their own separate legacies, but their time as teammates will always be remembered as one of the most dominant eras in NBA history.
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