Kevin Durant’s tenure with the Phoenix Suns appears to be coming to an end, with reports suggesting that he will likely be traded this summer. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently stated that both Durant and the Suns are aware of this reality, and the rest of the league expects it as well.
“He’s probably going to get traded this summer. He knows it. The Suns know it. The rest of the league knows it. They’re going to enjoy him while they have him. It’s not really controversial, in all honesty.”
“They’re under .500, they’ve got a $230 million payroll, then add about over $100 million in tax on that… He’s played almost 1,500 minutes this year, and he’s plus two on the court in those 1,500 minutes.”
“So you have an extremely expensive team that is not winning, and the player that is their most expensive player—who is playing great but not impacting them on a positive level. You do not need a high-level analyst to tell you that they probably need to trade him, which is why they were exploring the trade market for him.”
“And while I would never make an ironclad prediction, I would expect Durant and the Suns this summer to work together to find a new home. He has one year left on his contract, which would give him control as to where that would be.”
While Phoenix refrained from making a move before the trade deadline, the offseason presents a clearer opportunity to reset their roster and financial commitments. Given the team’s underwhelming performance and skyrocketing payroll, moving Durant might be the only logical path forward.
The Suns entered the season with championship aspirations, boasting a star trio of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. However, things have not gone according to plan. The team sits below .500 and currently occupies 11th place with a 26-27 record in the Western Conference, putting their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy.
Despite Durant’s impressive individual performances, Phoenix has struggled to find a winning formula. Their roster lacks depth, and Beal’s ongoing injury concerns have limited the team’s ability to play at full strength.
Financially, the Suns are in a precarious position. Their payroll currently stands at a staggering $228 million, with an additional $152 million in luxury tax penalties. That brings their total financial commitment to an astronomical $366 million—an unacceptable number for a team that might not even make the playoffs.
Unlike the other teams facing major luxury tax bills—the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, and Milwaukee Bucks—all of whom are legitimate title contenders, the Suns are merely fighting to stay in postseason contention. This financial burden makes it nearly impossible for Phoenix to improve its roster while keeping Durant, leading many to believe that trading him is inevitable.
Durant remains an elite scorer, averaging 27.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 52.8% from the field and 40.4% from beyond the arc. At 36 years old, he continues to perform at a superstar level, but the Suns’ struggles have diminished the impact of his contributions.
Even in games where Durant shines, Phoenix has failed to capitalize. A prime example came in their recent loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, where Durant made history by becoming just the eighth player in NBA history to reach 30,000 career points. He finished with 34 points, but the Suns still fell short, highlighting the team’s deeper structural issues.
Adding to the drama, Durant was reportedly blindsided by the Suns’ trade discussions and was shocked to learn that the team had explored sending him back to the Golden State Warriors. According to multiple sources, Phoenix and Golden State were deep in negotiations before Durant himself had to step in and halt the deal.
The idea of reuniting with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green after their previous run together raised eyebrows around the league, but Durant ultimately put a stop to it, signaling that he still wants control over his future.
But, this summer presents a different scenario. With one guaranteed year left on his contract, Durant will have some control over his next destination, and it is expected that both he and the Suns will work together to facilitate a trade.
Given his value, several contending teams will likely express interest in acquiring him. The Miami Heat could be a prime destination, given their ability to create competitive trade packages and Durant’s reported openness to joining them.
As the Suns continue their downward spiral, the focus will shift to how they handle Durant’s situation. If Phoenix decides to move on, they could potentially recoup assets and begin a retooling process.
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