Kerr: 'I don't blame' KD for not wanting to return to Warriors

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr understands why Kevin Durant turned down the opportunity to return to the team for a second stint.

Kerr defended Durant's decision in an interview with Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN, pointing out the criticism he received after signing with the Warriors as a free agent in 2016.

"I don't blame Kevin one bit for not wanting to rerun things here," Kerr said. "He took so much shit 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.

"So why would he want to face all that B.S. again?"

The Warriors inquired about Durant at this year's trade deadline, but the 15-time All-Star reportedly had no desire to return to Golden State and ultimately remained with the Phoenix Suns.

Durant spent three seasons in the Bay Area, winning back-to-back NBA titles and Finals MVPs with the Warriors in 2017 and 2018.

The 36-year-old is under contract with the Suns through the 2025-26 season.