Is Kevin Durant’s decision to sign with the Golden State Warriors the worst move of his career? At least one NBA insider questions this.

“I ponder on occasion. Was Kevin Durant’s deal with the Warriors the worst thing that could have happened to him? Zach Lowe of ESPN stated on Get Up on Friday. “He won two Finals and two Finals MVPs because he went there. He cannot have that taken away from him. Because of how good the team was, he will never receive the acclaim that those accomplishments would ordinarily bring.

“I believe he has come to recognize that, his people have come to realize it, he feels that, and ever since then, he’s been a lost soul. I wonder whether he might have created a more sustainable route for himself if he could go back in time to that moment and Golden State was not an option for him.”

Since leaving the Warriors in 2019, Durant has failed to make it past the second round of the playoffs every time. During that time, his teams have lost in the opening round twice, most recently to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024 postseason.

Although Durant has continued to be one of the greatest basketball players in the world, he has consistently surrounded himself with poor teammates. Long before James Harden arrived in Brooklyn, Kyrie Irving was tearing up the house, and the Suns this season have always been a top-heavy club with an unusual roster structure.

Phoenix also lacks the flexibility to make significant improvements to the team. The Suns are committed to Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal for more over $150 million a year. After a terrible first season in Phoenix, nobody is willing to trade for Beal’s salary, so the only way to alter the roster would be to get Booker, who is probably not a first choice for Durant or the Suns front staff.

Another notable thing that would irritate Durant is the Warriors’ 2022 title without him.