Day: February 18, 2025

Kevin Durant discussed his decision-making ahead of the trade deadline when he decided not to return to the Golden State Warriors when they essentially had a trade in place to acquire him from the Phoenix Suns. Malika Andrews specifically asked Durant to respond to comments made by Steve Kerr about what he believed led to his decision.

“I don’t blame Kevin one bit for not wanting to rerun things here,” Kerr told Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. “He took so much s— for like, ‘Oh, you’re jumping on the bandwagon.’ And then he’s Finals MVP two years in a row. It’s like he still gets criticized.”

Durant disagreed with Kerr’s assessment.

“People talk crazy about me all the time,” said Durant. “That’s not the reason why I didn’t come back. I just didn’t want to get traded midway through the season. It was nothing against my time with the Warriors, or I heard it was because I don’t like Draymond. At the end of the day, I just didn’t want to move. And I wanted to see it through with my team in Phoenix. And see what we can do through the rest of the season, so I’m glad I’m still there.”

Durant was asked how the rest of the season with the Suns will shape his outlook for his future.

“You have to ask the front office about that. I never planned on leaving or getting traded. I didn’t ask for a trade from Phoenix. But, obviously, when you pay so much for a team and we’re not playing up to our expectation, someone has to go. Probably should check in with those guys in the front office throughout the rest of the season to see how they’re feeling. I know I’m going to try to keep bringing my best every single day. I’ll let the higher-ups focus on what’s next.”

Lonnie Walker IV has agreed to a two-year, $3 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Walker was previously expected to remain with Zalgiris for the remainder of the season with his NBA-out expiring. The Sixers had the prorated veteran minimum exception to offer Walker as he fills their final roster spot.

Walker spent preseason with the Boston Celtics and was one of their final cuts.

Last season with the Brooklyn Nets, Walker averaged 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 17.4 minutes over 58 games.

In 33 games this season with Zalgiris, Walker is averaging 13.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 20.6 minutes.

Elfrid Payton and the Charlotte Hornets have agreed to a second 10-day deal.

Payton has appeared in two games with the Hornets, averaging 2.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 27.7 minutes. Payton also previously appeared in seven games with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Before this season, Payton last played in the NBA during the 21-22 season with the Phoenix Suns.