Kevin Durant spoke about his future with the Phoenix Suns after the team considered trading him before last week’s deadline.
Durant dismissed the idea that the Suns’ trade talks had caused any tension, stating that it was simply part of the business of basketball. He expressed his intention to finish out his contract with the Suns and lamented that his future would now be the subject of ongoing speculation.
“No, I always had a goal of playing my contract out and seeing what happens. I can’t focus on a year and a half down the line. I’m trying to focus on the day ahead of me,” Durant explained. “I know that will be a topic. That’s probably the most frustrating thing about being in trade talks is that the microscope is going to be on solely just me the rest of the season. My body language, how I speak to you guys after the game, how I’m looking on the bench, that stuff will be magnified, which sucks. Like I said, that’s a part of business I’ve just got to deal with and accept.”
Before last Thursday’s deadline, the Suns seriously discussed trading Durant, initially without consulting him. This led to reports that Durant was unhappy with the organization and might want to leave in the summer. Eventually, Durant was brought into the conversation, and the Suns backed off a potential trade to one team after he made it clear he did not want to go there.
Durant has one more season remaining on his contract before he can become a free agent after the 2025-26 season. This year, he has maintained his usual form, averaging 26.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in 39 games with Phoenix.