BREAKING: Warriors Snatch Kevin Durant in Last-Second $80M Deal, Beating Out Rockets
June 23, 2025 – San Francisco, CA — In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Golden State Warriors have successfully acquired Kevin Durant in a last-minute blockbuster trade worth $80 million, snatching him away from the Houston Rockets, who were believed to be frontrunners until the final moments.
Rockets Were Inches Away From Sealing the Deal
According to sources close to the negotiations, the Houston Rockets had been aggressively pursuing Durant over the past week, preparing a package that reportedly included young stars, draft picks, and cap space flexibility. Team executives believed they had a verbal commitment.
“Everything looked done. KD in Houston was a near certainty,” said one insider familiar with the Rockets front office.
The move would have paired Durant with rising star Jalen Green and defensive anchor Dillon Brooks, forming a rejuvenated superteam in the West.
Warriors Swoop In At the Buzzer
But just as Rockets fans were preparing to celebrate, the Golden State Warriors, Durant’s former team, made a dramatic late push. Spearheaded by GM Mike Dunleavy Jr., the Warriors restructured key contracts and offered a surprise deal worth $80 million, reuniting Durant with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
“Golden State came in strong and fast,” ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported. “They weren’t even in the top three yesterday. But they played the loyalty card and Durant bit.”
Durant’s decision to return to the Bay Area marks the end of weeks of speculation about his future, with multiple contenders—including the Nuggets, Suns, and Heat—also showing interest.
A Legendary Reunion
Durant previously played for Golden State from 2016 to 2019, winning two NBA championships and two Finals MVPs. His return now comes at a critical moment, with the Warriors looking to bounce back from an underwhelming playoff exit.
The new Big Three—Curry, Durant, and Green—will be supported by promising young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, and rumors suggest Klay Thompson may even reconsider a comeback tour.
Fan Reactions and League Impact
NBA Twitter erupted within minutes of the news. “KD running it back with the Splash Bros?? The league is cooked,” one fan posted. Others pointed to the drama of the Rockets losing out again in a high-stakes bidding war.
Former Rockets legend Tracy McGrady tweeted simply: “Pain.”
Analysts are already re-ranking the Western Conference, with Vegas immediately moving the Warriors into the top 3 title favorites for 2026.