The Golden State Warriors came remarkably close to reuniting with Kevin Durant during the 2025 NBA trade deadline, according to head coach Steve Kerr. This potential move, aimed at salvaging a struggling season, highlights just how urgently the Warriors sought to reshape their roster. The attempt was a serious effort, not merely speculation.
Kerr shared these details while appearing on the Tom Tolbert Show, explaining how the team’s performance had stalled.
“We had nothing going. We were at the point of the season where you could just feel it, we were dead in the water,”
Kerr said.
“We were below .500, and it had been a long enough stretch to go like, alright, this isn’t working.”
Jimmy Butler Trade Followed Failed Durant Talks
While the Warriors eventually acquired Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat just before the deadline, Kerr confirmed this was their second option. Durant was their primary target, with the team hoping to add a proven star to bolster their chances for a playoff push.
“I think it’s well documented that we were trying to get Kevin Durant,”
Kerr acknowledged. “That didn’t happen.”
After the discussions with Durant fell through, Golden State’s general manager Mike Dunleavy quickly recommended the Butler trade. Kerr recalled,
“Mike just calls me and says, ‘Hey, I think we’re going to trade for Jimmy Butler. I’m going to vouch for him. I played with him for three years in Chicago. The guy’s a gamer.’ And I said, ‘Great, let’s do it.’ We needed a change.”
What This Reveals About the Warriors’ Urgent Offseason Strategy
The pursuit of Durant at the trade deadline reveals the Warriors’ awareness of their narrowing championship window and their refusal to concede. Kerr’s candid admission about the team’s struggles demonstrates a willingness to make difficult decisions to remain competitive. This willingness to pursue high-impact players midseason was a clear signal that Golden State was focused on immediate improvement.
Durant represented the ideal solution to reinvigorate the team’s core, but with that option closed, the Warriors viewed Butler as a strong alternative. Both choices reflected a high-stakes gamble to alter the team’s trajectory and chase playoff success. This mentality signals that the front office and coaching staff remain aggressive in protecting the team’s competitive lifespan.
Looking ahead, Golden State’s openness to pursuing marquee names like Durant will likely continue. The organization appears committed to doing whatever is necessary to maintain their relevance and push for another championship run.
The Broader Implications for Golden State’s Future
The near-reunion with Kevin Durant is emblematic of Golden State’s current crossroads as a franchise balancing its legacy with present urgency. After years of steady growth and consistent success, the Warriors face the challenge of preserving their dynasty amid shifting dynamics.
Even though Butler was the fallback option, his arrival brought significant leadership, toughness, and playoff experience that energized the roster. The pursuit of Durant shows that the Warriors are still thinking like contenders, prioritizing players who offer chemistry and competitive fire—key ingredients of their championship teams.
Whether Golden State renews its effort to land Durant this offseason or explores other options, the organization’s proactive approach indicates a refusal to settle. The Warriors remain focused on maintaining their status as a serious playoff threat, prepared to make bold moves to extend their core’s competitive window.