Days after Bradley Beal’s buyout officially ended the Suns’ failed superteam experiment, a viral post from a Phoenix fan caught Durant’s attention—and sparked a fiery response from the two-time NBA champion. In a back-and-forth on X (formerly Twitter), Durant clapped back at the fan’s claim that his presence in Phoenix hurt the franchise’s culture, calling out the toxic online experience that plagued his time with the team.
Suns Fan: “Man… I’m so glad Durant and Beal are off the Suns… If you told me two years ago I’d feel that way, I would’ve laughed at you, but it’s clear that keeping either of them was unsustainable for the culture. Never been more ready for a new era of basketball in Phoenix.”
Kevin Durant: “What culture is that?”
Suns Fan: “To be honest, once I sent this, I realized you would respond, which kinda plays into my whole point… I wish nothing bad against you as a person, hope you find whatever happiness you are looking for.”
Kevin Durant: “Cut the sh*t Erik, most of y’all in Phx want me off the team cuz of the toxic experience it was online for you while u live tweeted games. KD stans got most of Phoenix pissed, it ain’t bout nothing but that lol.”
Durant’s response highlights the growing divide between NBA players and fan bases in the social media age, especially when expectations aren’t met. For Phoenix, the superteam era was short-lived and full of tension, both on the court and online.
When Durant first arrived in 2023, the vibes were immaculate in Phoenix. Teaming up with Devin Booker, Durant hoped to build something special in Phoenix and wanted to lead the Suns to prosperity in the Western Conference playoffs. Unfortunately, obstacles both on the court and in the locker room destroyed the team from the inside out, and things will never be the same again.
This summer, in a matter of months, the entire roster was broken up, and it started with Durant’s trade to the Rockets back in July. Ever since his departure, things have been tense in Phoenix, and many fans still hold him responsible for the division caused by the infamous ‘KD Stan wars’ that overtook Suns discourse.
With the Suns era over now, Durant is free to speak openly about the experience, and it’s clear that he’s got some issues with the fanbase over everything that transpired. While they blame him for his failure to lead, Durant believes their anger is rooted in misplaced frustration rather than legitimate criticism.
Unfortunately, Durant’s engagements with the fans have gotten increasingly heated in recent years and are unlikely to improve anytime soon. Being a social media warrior is just part of Kevin’s persona now, and anyone who comes at him online is taking the risk that he’ll respond with hostility.
Overall, the situation in Phoenix is still recovering. In what was supposed to be an era of prosperity, the team fell completely flat with missed expectations, a lack of chemistry, and early playoff exits. Bradley Beal’s buyout this month was the final nail in the coffin.
