Warriors-Kevin Durant Trade Rumors Just Took Shocking Turn

Over the last couple of days, the chatter about a reunion between Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors has become louder. Reports about the Suns listening to offers on KD and Draymond Green talking about the front office taking an aggressive approach at the deadline had Warriors fans excited about Durant's return.

With 24 hours left until the trade deadline, ESPN's Shams Charania reported the last thing Warriors fans wanted to hear.

Kevin Durant Reportedly Doesn't Want to Return to Golden State

In his appearance on NBA Today, Charania said the two-time Finals MVP has no desire to return to Golden State. NBA insider Marc Spears later confirmed in the same segment that when Durant first heard about the rumors, he showed no indication that he would be willing to return to the Warriors.

This doesn't mean that the Warriors can't trade for Durant. The 36-year-old superstar doesn't have a no-trade clause. If the Suns feel like it's time to move on from KD, they could deal him wherever they want.

That is obviously easier said than done. Players of KD's caliber usually don't get moved without their approval. Sending a superstar somewhere he doesn't want to be wouldn't be the smartest move for the Suns as a franchise.

Phoenix has been linked to Jimmy Butler since his public trade request. However, they have been shackled by Bradley Beal's no-trade clause. If Beal doesn't waive his no-trade clause, the Suns are extremely limited in what they can do on the market. That is why speculations around trading Durant began in the first place.

Sitting at 25-24 while not looking like a championship contender, the Suns are naturally expected to make a big move at the deadline. Golden State, with a ton of draft capital and attractive trade assets like Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga, was seen as a natural landing spot for Durant. The latest report suggests the Warriors may have to wait a little longer for their pipe dream.