Draymond Green: Kevin Durant Turning Down Warriors Trade 'Didn't Affect My Life'
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green wasn't concerned about Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant reportedly turning down the chance at a reunion in the Bay Area.
"Didn't affect my life one bit," Green told Sportskeeda's Mark Medina.
"Why would it? I don't concern myself with guys who aren't here," he added.
Anthony Slater and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the Warriors were interested in trading for Durant before Thursday's deadline, but they moved on from the pursuit after the former MVP was "cold to the idea" of reuniting with Golden State.
Green and Durant were teammates for three years from the 2016-17 season through the 2018-19 season. They experienced immense success together, making three NBA Finals appearances and winning two championships.
The pair had a heated verbal altercation on the Warriors during Durant's final year in Golden State before he left to join the Brooklyn Nets, but there doesn't appear to be any lingering animosity between the two.
The Warriors remained active on the trade market after failing to land Durant, acquiring six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat in a massive five-team deal. Golden State sent out a package headlined by Andrew Wiggins in return.
Green was excited to get to work with Butler.
"When you walk on the court and you look on the other end and you see guys that you respect, half the battle is fought," Green said, per Medina. "And with Jimmy, that's half the battle. So that's going to be fun because we can compete at the highest level."
The Warriors have struggled since opening their 2024-25 campaign with a 12-3 record, currently sitting at 25-26. They own the No. 11 seed in the Western Conference standings.
In 37 appearances this season, Green is averaging 8.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 42.1 percent from the field and 35.6 percent from three-point territory.
The former Defensive Player of the Year didn't care about Durant reportedly turning down a reunion, looking forward to playing alongside Butler instead.
