The Warriors thought a Kevin Durant homecoming would work, however KD himself had different concepts.
Lower than 48 hours earlier than the commerce deadline, whispers of KD returning to the Bay emerged.
Then, bam, he was their “major precedence” forward of the deadline, in line with a number of insiders.
Nevertheless, Durant’s response to this was fairly surprising, a minimum of from the Warriors’ perspective, Anthony Slater of The Athletic says.
“Sooner or later within the final a number of days, Stephen Curry had a dialog with Kevin Durant that satisfied him a reunion was extraordinarily unlikely, regardless of how a lot the Golden State Warriors possession group and entrance workplace collectively “underestimated” Durant’s coldness towards a return, as one group supply put it,” Slater mentioned.
So then, the group’s consideration turned to Jimmy Butler, who signed a two-year $121M extension with the Dubs after being suspended by the Warmth 3 times for his habits.
However Curry isn’t one who’s fast to evaluate.
“Him signing an extension is massive,” Curry mentioned. “Understanding he’s dedicated for this subsequent little run … I do know there was quite a lot of drama down there (in Miami). Who actually is aware of what the story is? We count on to have a motivated, dedicated Jimmy.
“I can put myself in his footwear. He’s been away from the sport for a minute. He’s been annoyed for no matter cause. Once you get right into a scenario that’s a recent begin, it establishes expectations that we’re all used to that we have to win. All of us thrive off that power. Doesn’t imply it’s going to be straightforward, doesn’t imply there gained’t be challenges.”
NBA followers and media alike have questions round how Butler and scorching head Draymond Inexperienced will match collectively, as it’s two of the most important personalities within the league collide, however Inexperienced doesn’t appear fearful – though it needs to be mentioned that Draymond was one of many major causes KD left Golden State within the first place.
“He win? I win? That’s the match. Winners win,” Inexperienced mentioned. “He’s a winner. Perennial All-Star. Robust as nails. Simply f—ing get the job performed nevertheless it must be performed.”
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