Kevin Durant’s contentious relationship with Steve Kerr played a major role in his 2019 departure from the Golden State Warriors, and also his decision to reject a potential return at the 2025 trade deadline, reports Logan Murdock at The Ringer. Durant’s ongoing issues with Kerr’s offensive system influenced both pivotal career decisions despite the Warriors’ championship success.
Durant’s departure from Golden State stemmed largely from his public and private complaints about Kerr’s offensive principles during his final season. Durant and Kerr have reconciled and won a gold medal together during the 2024 Olympics. Durant’s issues with Kerr were arguable a bigger factor in his 2019 exit than any shouting match with Draymond Green.
Similar patterns emerged with the Brooklyn Nets under Steve Nash, and the Phoenix Suns with Mike Budenholzer. Durant criticized Nash’s offensive concepts before the coach was eventually fired during Durant’s final season with the Nets. Television cameras frequently captured Durant in verbal exchanges with Budenholzer this past season, urging simplified offensive schemes and showing visible frustration during games.
When Brooklyn sought Nash’s replacement in 2022, Durant advocated for hiring Udoka. However, the Nets changed course amid public scrutiny surrounding the misconduct that led to Udoka’s dismissal from the Boston Celtics.
The Rockets present an ideal landing spot for Durant’s skill set and personality. Houston operates as a defense-first team with a physical offensive identity that desperately needs Durant’s shot creation abilities.
Udoka has established a strong organizational culture that could help Durant move past his reputation for coaching conflicts. The young, deep roster should ease Durant’s defensive responsibilities while maximizing his offensive impact.
Despite trading away key pieces to acquire Durant, the Rockets maintain one of the league’s deepest rosters. The partnership with Udoka represents Durant’s best opportunity to succeed within a structured system while maintaining his individual excellence. Udoka strongly advocated for the Rockets to pursue a trade for Durant.