Curry + Durant + Butler: A New Big Three in the Making?

Kevin Durant and Draymond Green are back together—not on the court (yet), but in conversation. Durant recently appeared on Green’s podcast, where they, along with Baron Davis, had an engaging discussion that naturally veered toward the possibility of KD rejoining the Golden State Warriors.

Durant made his stance clear: “I want my career to end the way I envision it. If I were to join the Warriors midseason, that would be headline news. But I don’t want to leave (Phoenix) right now. I understand why you’d want to trade for me—it’s just business. But for me, I want to finish this season with the Suns. If you still want to talk in the offseason, we can have that discussion.”

That statement sent the NBA world into a frenzy. Just weeks ago, rumors swirled that the Warriors had been on the verge of acquiring Durant at the trade deadline, only for KD himself to shut it down. Now, with his latest comments, it’s clear that the possibility of a reunion isn’t off the table.

The Writing on the Wall for Durant and the Suns

One thing is becoming increasingly apparent: Durant will likely leave Phoenix this summer. Despite being in his 18th NBA season, Durant remains an elite player, averaging 26.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 53.0% from the field, 40.2% from three, and 82.8% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage? A scorching 63.8%.

But individual brilliance doesn’t always translate to team success. The Suns, expected to be title contenders after forming their own version of a Big Three with Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Durant, have been a massive disappointment. They’ve lost nine of their last 11 games, hold a 27-31 record, and currently sit 11th in the Western Conference—outside even the Play-In Tournament.

Former All-Star DeMarcus Cousins didn’t hold back in his assessment of the Suns:

“No chemistry, no rhythm, no team spirit. Just a bunch of talented players thrown together who don’t fit.”

And he has a point. The Suns’ roster construction is flawed, and their future is even more concerning. Beal’s massive contract (which includes a no-trade clause) severely limits the team’s flexibility. If Phoenix wants to shake things up, Durant is the most viable trade asset.

Additionally, next season will be Durant’s contract year. If he chooses not to extend his deal and instead walks as a free agent in 2026, the Suns risk losing him for nothing. While they’ll never recoup the full value of the assets they surrendered to acquire him from Brooklyn, they might look to cash in while his trade value remains high.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently echoed this sentiment:

“The Suns are going to trade Durant, and he knows it. He’s had multiple opportunities to call them out for shopping him, but he hasn’t. He’s handling it professionally. I expect him to go all out for the rest of the season—not just to help the Suns win, but to remind other teams that he’s still a game-changer.”

The Warriors’ Sudden Revival and the Appeal of a Durant Return

One key factor in all of this is the resurgence of the Warriors. When trade rumors were swirling, Golden State was struggling to even stay in the Play-In picture. But since acquiring Jimmy Butler at the deadline, they’ve won six of their last seven games—a record that ranks first in the West over that stretch.

While it’s still a small sample size, the early signs suggest that the Steph Curry-Butler partnership has the potential to work. But what if Durant joins them? A trio of Curry, Butler, and Durant would undoubtedly be stronger—both in terms of talent and mental toughness—than the Suns’ Booker-Durant-Beal trio.

However, the logistics of such a move remain complicated. The biggest question: What would the Warriors offer? A package centered around Jonathan Kuminga could be enticing, but would it be more attractive than what other teams, such as the Rockets (who own one of Phoenix’s future first-round picks), could put on the table?

There’s also the risk factor. If the Warriors commit to a core of Curry (36), Butler (34), and Durant (35), are they just setting themselves up to become the next version of the Suns—an aging team with no flexibility and a ticking clock?

Final Take: A Summer Blockbuster Awaits

The stage is set for a dramatic offseason. All signs point to Durant leaving Phoenix, and the Warriors will almost certainly be in the mix. Would a reunion be a fairy-tale ending or a mistake waiting to happen? That remains to be seen.

But one thing is clear: If KD does return to the Bay, it will be one of the most captivating storylines the NBA has seen in years. Buckle up, because “Where Will Durant Go?” is about to become the league’s next great soap opera.