Kevin Durant’s future in the NBA continues to spark intense discussion, especially after the Phoenix Suns’ recent playoff exit. With rumors about his next move growing louder, the possibility of a Kevin Durant potential return to Oklahoma City Thunder has gained momentum, fueled by observations of his apparent dissatisfaction during the season and increasing speculation around his departure from Phoenix.
Among those weighing in is Mario Chalmers, a former Miami Heat guard and two-time NBA champion, who believes Durant’s best option is a return to the Thunder rather than reuniting with the Golden State Warriors. Speaking on Shannon Sharpe’s Nightcap, Chalmers argued that even if the Warriors acquired Durant again, their current roster does not offer enough to support him effectively, primarily lacking a reliable secondary playmaker to complement Durant’s scoring abilities.
Chalmers explained that while Golden State’s system still emphasizes movement and spacing, it no longer resembles the powerhouse that Durant joined in 2016. He also pointed out that Jimmy Butler, whom Sharpe suggested should be traded for Durant, fits better within the Warriors’ system than Durant would now.
When the conversation turned toward the possibility of Durant returning to Oklahoma City, Chalmers grew more optimistic. He suggested Durant could adjust to a less dominant offensive role, focusing on shooting and spacing the floor, while allowing the team’s young star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to control the pace of the game. Chalmers said,
If I’m KD, I’d look at the OKC situation…I’m like, yeah, I’d go there and be spot up shooter like Shai do.
This scenario would allow Durant to contribute by enhancing an already promising Thunder roster without needing to monopolize the ball. The idea of Durant finishing his career where it began has become increasingly accepted among analysts and former players alike.
Paul Pierce Recommends Durant Return to Oklahoma City
Given Durant’s evolving career stage, the expectation that he carries a team alone is less realistic. He remains a formidable scorer but benefits most when teammates and systems enable him to play his natural game without shouldering every responsibility. For this reason, Oklahoma City presents a more suitable environment than attempting to rekindle past success with Golden State.
The narrative of Durant returning to the Thunder nearly a decade after his contentious exit holds significant emotional weight. On the show TICKET & THE TRUTH, former NBA star Paul Pierce echoed this sentiment, encouraging Durant to consider rejoining the franchise that originally drafted him.
Pierce stated,
He should go home to OKC. If OKC don’t get over the top this year, I don’t think they should mortgage their future, but they got enough assets as far as draft picks.
As speculation continues to mount around Durant’s potential departure from Phoenix, the landscape of his options is shaping up. With the Thunder’s promising young core, draft assets, and the chance for Durant to redefine his role, a return to Oklahoma City stands out as the most logical and potentially rewarding destination for the 36-year-old superstar.