Brian Windhorst discusses how a single misstep by the Suns could prompt Kevin Durant’s departure. Durant, now in his third season with the Phoenix Suns after joining them in a high-profile trade during the 2022-23 season, has seen the team surround him with key players like Bradley Beal in hopes of contending for the championship. Despite forming a promising Big 3 with Beal and Devin Booker, the trio has struggled to meet expectations.
The Sunsâ underperformance this season led to speculation about potential trades, including a failed attempt to acquire Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, partly due to Beal’s no-trade clause. This fueled rumors that Durant might be traded as well. Brian Windhorst, an NBA insider, shared a worrying outlook on Durantâs future with the Suns, stating, “He was not happy he was put into trade talks, and I think itâs unpredictable what will happen for the next few months because itâs the nature of the sport. But I think right now itâs reasonable to forecast Durant will be breaking up with the Suns in the Summer. He didnât break up with them today but it doesnât look good for the long-term forecast because he was frustrated.”
Windhorst further added, âI would just say the biggest thing Kevin Durant was upset about was not knowing he was involved in trade talks.â
Recently, Durant was linked to a potential return to the Warriors, but the surprising element was that the 36-year-old did not request a trade. Despite denying the rumors and expressing his shock, the tension surrounding the situation could affect his future with the Suns, even though he is under contract until the summer of 2026.
