Kevin Durant’s Emotional Bay Area Return for All-Star Game \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Kevin Durant returns to San Francisco for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, calling his time with the Warriors a permanent part of his DNA. Fresh off reaching 30,000 career points, Durant embraces the memories, friendships, and competitive spirit that defined his championship run with Golden State. His recent trash talk exchange with Gary Payton highlights his love for the game and respect for NBA legends. Though brief, Durant’s return to the Bay Area is a true homecoming for the two-time Finals MVP.
Kevin Durant’s Bay Area Homecoming: Quick Looks
- Durant returns to San Francisco for the NBA All-Star Game, calling the Bay Area his “home” and part of his DNA.
- Fresh off reaching 30,000 career points, Durant joins an elite club with LeBron, Kareem, Kobe, Jordan, and others.
- Suns coach Mike Budenholzer calls Durant the best shot-maker he’s ever seen, praising his elite scoring ability.
- Warriors coach Steve Kerr reminisces about Durant’s time in Golden State, saying his work ethic was “mesmerizing”.
- Durant had a playful trash talk exchange with Gary Payton, debating how 90s players would handle him.
- KD’s track record at Chase Center includes averaging 22.4 points per game, with a high of 31 points in December.
- Despite ongoing trade rumors in Phoenix, Durant remains focused on celebrating his Warriors legacy.
- Golden State fans still appreciate KD’s contributions, and this weekend’s All-Star Game will feel like a true homecoming.
Deep Look
Durant Embraces the Love in San Francisco
For Kevin Durant, every trip back to San Francisco is more than just another road game. It’s a homecoming. Before heading to the team bus, the Phoenix Suns star always makes time to reconnect with old friends, Warriors staff, and familiar faces who have been part of his journey.
This weekend’s NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center will be extra special for Durant. He’ll be playing in front of the Bay Area fans who still adore him, despite his departure from the Golden State Warriors nearly five years ago.
“This is my home. I got murals up in the concourse, whatcha mean?” Durant said with a smile. “This is always going to be a part of my DNA, this is in my blood.”
Durant’s time with the Warriors (2016-2019) was nothing short of legendary. He helped transform the franchise into an unstoppable force, winning two championships alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. His Finals MVP performances cemented his legacy, and even though he left for a new challenge, his impact in Golden State remains undeniable.
A Historic Milestone: 30,000 Career Points
Durant enters the All-Star Game in elite company, having just reached 30,000 career points on Tuesday night. This milestone makes him only the eighth player in NBA history to achieve the feat, joining the ranks of LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain.
“He’s probably the most incredible shot maker I’ve ever been around,” Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said after Durant’s historic game. “The way he rises up and shoots over people, his height, his ball-handling—if not the most incredible shot-maker, I don’t know who is.”
Durant’s ability to score at all levels—pull-up jumpers, fadeaways, deep threes, and mid-range daggers—has made him one of the most feared offensive players in NBA history. His scoring milestone is a testament to his consistency, work ethic, and passion for the game.
“I think he loves to play basketball more than anything,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who coached Durant in Golden State and with Team USA. “That’s what I enjoyed the most when we had him here—just watching him after practice, going through his routine. It’s mesmerizing.”
Durant and Gary Payton: A Battle of Eras
Durant’s connection to basketball history isn’t just about chasing records—it’s also about respecting the greats who came before him.
During his most recent visit to Chase Center, Durant had a playful, good-natured trash talk exchange with NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton, who was sitting courtside watching his son, Warriors guard Gary Payton II.
“I was a point guard, you’re a scorer,” Payton reminded Durant.
Durant, never one to back down, shot back:
“Check my footage, man, I do it all.”
The banter wasn’t new. It started last summer during Team USA training, when Durant jokingly told Payton he was too small to guard him.
“The guys from the ’90s always think that was the golden era,” Durant said. “I try to remind them what it would’ve been like if they had to guard me.”
Despite the friendly back-and-forth, Durant has deep admiration for Payton and the greats of previous generations.
“GP is one of my favorite players, someone I look up to. I have major respect for him.”
Durant’s Chase Center Track Record
Since leaving Golden State in 2019, Durant has played at Chase Center five times. His stat line in those games:
- 22.4 points per game
- 39.8% shooting from the field
- Highest-scoring game: 31 points in a 109-105 loss (Dec. 28, 2023)
Even when he faces boos from some Warriors fans, the majority still cheer for their former Finals MVP—appreciating the championships he helped bring to the Bay.
This weekend, though, there won’t be any boos. As an All-Star playing in front of NBA fans from all over the world, Durant gets to enjoy the love, the spotlight, and the memories.
Durant’s Future: Uncertainty in Phoenix, Legacy Secure in Golden State
While Durant’s legacy in Golden State is secure, his future in Phoenix remains a constant topic of speculation.
- The Suns were rumored to be exploring trades involving Durant before last week’s deadline.
- His fit alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal is still a work in progress.
- With Durant turning 36 this year, questions linger about whether the Suns can build a championship contender around him.
But one thing is certain: Warriors fans will always appreciate what Durant gave to their franchise.
He won two championships, earned two Finals MVPs, and played some of the most dominant basketball of his career in a Warriors jersey.
“It’s like I’m coming back home,” Durant said of his return. “Three years here was a huge part of my life.”
What to Expect from Durant at the All-Star Game
If history tells us anything, Durant will put on a show at the NBA All-Star Game.
- He’s a two-time All-Star Game MVP (2012, 2019).
- He thrives on the big stage, especially in San Francisco, where his legacy was built.
- With 30,000 career points now under his belt, he may look to prove once again that he’s still one of the best scorers ever.
As Durant steps onto the Chase Center floor once more, expect him to soak in every moment—the cheers, the memories, and the chance to shine on a familiar stage.
For Golden State fans, it’s another chance to celebrate one of their greatest players. For Durant, it’s a reminder that, no matter where he plays, the Bay will always be a part of him.
