After an underwhelming 2023-2024 season from the Phoenix Suns, questions regarding the future of recently acquired basketball superstar Kevin Durant have begun to swirl.
Entering the season, the Suns had high expectations with the team centered around the big 3, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
However, the team’s vision to make it to the finals would ultimately fall short due to injuries and issues with team chemistry. After the Minnesota Timberwolves swept the team in the first round of the playoffs, numerous questions regarding the team began to circulate.
One of the main talking points discussed was dealing away with Kevin Durant. Drafted in 2007, Durant has been and continues to be a top forward in the NBA. Having played on numerous teams such as the Seattle Supersonics (later to be known as the Oklahoma City Thunder), Golden State Warriors, and Brooklyn Nets, Durant now finds himself as a Phoenix Sun, amidst circulating trade rumors.
The rumors of a potential Durant trade came to light in the Summer of 2024, with the Houston Rockets being the main team involved alongside the Phoenix Suns. These rumors came directly after the season but were soon after shot down by the Sun’s owner, Mathew Ishbia, stating on X, “Phoenix loves Kevin Durant and Kevin Durant loves Phoenix, and we are competing for a championship this year because we have the team to do it.”
Nonetheless, a potential trade isn’t the only action that could see Durant’s departure from Phoenix. As it stands, Durant is under contract until the summer following the 2025-2026 season. Although, according to Last Word on Sports, Durant is eligible for a one-year $59.7 million. This raises the question of whether the superstar will commit to the Suns and sign the extension, or become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-2026 season (unrestricted meaning the free agent has the choice of which team they want to play for).
Attending school in Phoenix, many students and teachers at Thunderbird High School are Suns fans and have lots to say about Kevin Durant’s future. Bonnie King, a teacher at Thunderbird High School, gave her input regarding the situation. When asked her thoughts on Durant´s performance as a Sun so far, she believes that he is pulling his weight and not bringing down the Suns because of his play, but also believes that Durant is past his prime and not the same superstar he used to be. Regarding the situation of Durant´s future with the Suns, King believes he is here to stay. Stating that she believes the Suns would part ways with Devin Booker before Durant.
With the season starting, and the Suns off to a hot start, they are on the cusp of a championship and will likely look to go all in. The Suns must make decisions to benefit their present and future, and if it comes to it, dealing away Kevin Durant. As the new season begins, the Suns have to put team and personnel changes aside as they focus on the season at hand and winning an NBA championship.
