Phoenix Suns Prioritize Durant’s Loyalty Over Potential Trade Returns—Was It the Right Call?
The NBA trade deadline has passed, and the Phoenix Suns refrained from making major moves—aside from sending Jusuf Nurkic and his contract to Charlotte for assets likely to be waived in the summer. However, just because it was the only finalized deal doesn’t mean it was the only one in discussion.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, “the Suns had a deal lined up to acquire Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, Jonathan Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors, along with first-round picks, pick swaps, and second-round draft capital.”
Everything appeared set—until a 15-time All-Star shut it down. “Kevin Durant didn’t want to return to Golden State; he preferred to stay in Phoenix,” though the length of his commitment remains uncertain.
Rather than debating whether this trade would have improved the Suns in both the short and long term, the real question is: Should the organization have let Durant dictate the deal? After all, Bradley Beal is the one with a no-trade clause, not Durant.
Some argue that “it should be the Suns organization, not Kevin Durant, that has the final say.” The front office must operate in a way that strengthens the team and aligns with its long-term goals. Allowing Durant to veto the trade could be viewed as prioritizing a player’s preference over what’s best for the franchise.
Moving Durant for draft picks and a promising talent like Kuminga may have been a smarter decision for the future. While Butler’s contract remains a financial burden, he would have provided the toughness and edge the Suns lack.
Why should Durant have the power to determine this deal? “He’s not the GM. This isn’t his team.” The front office should make choices that ensure the long-term success of the organization, regardless of how talented Durant is. Basing decisions on a player’s wishes could set a troubling precedent for future roster moves.
However, I believe allowing Durant to reject this trade was in the Suns’ best interest, both short and long term.
In the short term, acquiring Butler likely would have required offering him an extension—similar to what Golden State did—which would have meant a commitment exceeding $60 million per year over the next two seasons. That’s a steep cost. Given that, I’d rather keep Durant, who provides more immediate value and long-term potential.
Long term, the perception of the Suns franchise matters. Retaining Durant signals to future stars that Phoenix respects and values greatness.
Durant is a legend in the eyes of many current players. “Guys like Anthony Edwards look up to him as a walking legend, someone they respect not just for his talent, but for what he’s represented in their own basketball journeys.”
How many rising stars have honed their skills under Durant’s mentorship? From Team USA to offseason training, his influence extends far beyond his own game, shaping the careers of young players.
Considering Durant’s status as a top-15 player in NBA history, he has earned a certain level of respect. “We’re not talking about trading Jusuf Nurkic here. We’re talking about trading Kevin fucking Durant.”
I understand that not everyone will agree with this stance. In fact, we discussed this at length on the latest Super Duper Mega Pod with various Suns content creators, and it’s clear this is a divisive topic.
As I post this poll, I expect a near-even split in responses. I don’t fault those who believe the franchise should always come first. But from my perspective, the Suns made the right call. It may not have been the most beneficial move in the short term—I would’ve loved some first-round picks—but treating Durant with the respect he has earned carries long-term value.
If Phoenix wants to remain an attractive destination for free agents beyond this chaotic era, keeping Durant helps. You don’t achieve that by blindsiding him with a trade. “Welcome to the player empowerment era. That’s just how it is. It’s not a reality I always agree with, but it’s the reality of the league.”
Now, of course, rumors are swirling that Durant was upset the Suns even considered trading him. “Cool. Drama.”
Expect plenty of future articles on Bright Side of the Sun discussing whether Durant should be moved in the offseason, where he could go, and what Phoenix might get in return.
For now, though, I believe the Suns made the right decision for their long-term future. You may disagree, and that’s okay. This is what sports debates are all about.
