The Golden State Warriors might not be at the center of the next Kevin Durant blockbuster—but they could still be part of history.
According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns are working on expanding the Durant trade into a seven-team deal—the largest in NBA history. The Warriors, along with the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves, are reportedly being discussed as part of the multi-team framework.
While Golden State isn’t expected to send or receive any major pieces, their involvement could help move salary and finalize some of the already-agreed-upon deals that are pending execution.
“In a would-be seven-team trade, there is an unprecedented amount of detail,” Katz wrote. “At least in the iterations of the deal discussed so far, most of the recognizable names are from trades that have already been agreed to and reported but not yet finalized.”
Warriors Already Tied to Durant—and the Rockets
GettyJimmy Butler #10 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Houston Rockets.
It’s fitting that the Warriors are still loosely involved in a Durant deal. They reportedly pursued the superstar scorer. Ultimately, they landed Jimmy Butler at the deadline. Now, with Durant on the move to Houston, Golden State may help clear the runway. This could become one of the most complex trades in league history.
According to Katz, the current iteration includes Durant heading to the Rockets, while Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and a package of picks land in Phoenix. Clint Capela would be rerouted from Atlanta to Houston via sign-and-trade. The rest of the moving parts involve draft picks and minor contracts. Many are tied to trades from draft night that can’t be finalized until July 6.
Golden State Could Benefit from the Chaos
Even if the Warriors don’t land a player, there’s still value in staying involved. Jonathan Kuminga‘s future remains uncertain. And reported interest in veteran big man Al Horford is still lingering.
By helping facilitate this megadeal, the Warriors could gain a minor asset. Create a trade exception. Or improve their own positioning heading into the remainder of the offseason.
The trade isn’t finalized yet. But if the seven-team monster deal goes through, the Warriors will have once again been part of NBA history. Kevin Durant, right in the middle of it.
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