Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Richard Jefferson On Kevin Durant And Devin Booker: "They're Not Getting Along"
The Phoenix Suns have been arguably the most disappointing team in the NBA this season and it would appear all is not well behind the scenes. On the latest episode of the Road Trippin' podcast, host Richard Jefferson claimed that Kevin Durant and Devin Booker no longer get along.
"The last thing I'll say about KD," Jefferson said. "As great as he is. He's still one of the best players in the NBA. I think he can still lead a team to a championship. At what time has KD been teaming up with his boys worked out the way he would like?
"Because before, he loved Devin Booker. There was a mutual respect. Now, they're not getting along," Jefferson added. "Don't really mess with Bradley Beal. Bradley Beal's out. Now, they're gonna bring in Jimmy Butler potentially because that’s what K.D. wants."
There haven't really been any murmurs about Durant and Booker's relationship deteriorating, so this is quite interesting. Jefferson didn't elaborate much on the topic so it's unclear if this was something he heard or if it's just speculation based on what he has seen from them on the court.
Durant and Booker's time as teammates got off to a great start after the Suns acquired the former from the Brooklyn Nets in 2023. They won the first eight games they played together and were looking like an unstoppable duo. That, however, was probably the high watermark of their partnership.
That 2022-23 season would end in disappointment for the Suns, as the Denver Nuggets eliminated them in six games in the Western Conference Semifinals. They wouldn't even get that far in the 2024 playoffs despite acquiring Bradley Beal in the 2023 offseason, as the Minnesota Timberwolves swept them in the first round.
Things have gone from bad to worse for the Suns in 2024-25. They have a 17-19 record right now and are down at 12th in the standings in the West. Could these struggles have impacted Durant and Booker's relationship? Maybe.
Regardless of what Durant and Booker's relationship is like as of now, there hasn't been any talk of either of the two heading out of town. It might be in the Suns' best interests to go for a rebuild, but it's unlikely they will go down that route.
Devin Booker On Why It Can Get Frustrating To Play With Kevin Durant And Bradley Beal
Booker was delighted when the Suns acquired Durant and Beal but recently admitted it can be difficult to play with them. After a 123-115 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, Booker, who's averaging 24.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game in 2024-25, stated he gets a bit frustrated when all three of them are out on the court.
"He understands his spots in that lineup, he understands it's his job to be aggressive. It can be a little frustrating when we're all out there. I go through it sometimes, too. You take 2 shots in a row and you're like, 'I'm out there with K and Brad. I need to get them involved.' Not having that on your conscious and just getting to play free can do a lot for anybody..."
The Suns have moved Beal to the bench in an attempt to turn their season around. They have gone 2-1 since making that change and it will be interesting to see how they fare moving forward. They are in action next against the Utah Jazz at Footprint Center on Saturday at 5 PM ET.
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