“The more I watch him at age 36, the more he looks mentally semi-retired to me.” Skip Bayless used these words for Kevin Durant. Bayless recently fired shots at the Slim Reaper, questioning his mentality as he approaches the later years of his career. His comments came amidst Durant’s recent on-court frustration. His recent back-and-forth with his head coach has especially raised a lot of questions. Meanwhile, trade rumors have begun swirling around the Phoenix Suns star, with teams like the Mavericks and Warriors reportedly interested.
Bayless didn’t hold back and even implied that Durant’s passion for the game has faded. In his words, “it just feels to me like he’s winding down his basketball”. Moreover, he pointed out the Suns’ inconsistent season despite Durant still posting impressive numbers. He claimed that the team appeared more motivated when Durant had just joined. But now, “The Phoenix Suns just look like they’re done to me because Kevin looks like he’s on his last mental legs.” Not only that, but he ended his biting remarks with, “Kevin’s just going through the motions and the Suns have set in the West.”
In response to these critiques, Durant took to social media, delivering a sarcastic retort.
However, Durant wasn’t one to let the criticism go unanswered. He took to social media and delivered a response dripping with sarcasm. “F**k it, We’re both washed, it was a great run.”, he wrote. Durant’s response wasn’t just sarcastic, it was calculated. Rather than fueling the debate, he dismissed Bayless with a single sentence, turning the narrative back on the critic.
Johnson, a former NBA Sixth Man of the Year and long-time analyst, has had his share of run-ins with Bayless. This wasn’t the first time he had called out the outspoken commentator. He previously clapped back at Bayless for dismissing Chris Paul’s impact. Johnson also jumped to Durant’s defense. He wrote, “KD, this waterboy was washed after his high school coach watched him average 1.5 ppg on the team. pistol pete Jr.”
KD, this waterboy was washed after his high school coach watched him average 1.5 ppg on the team. pistol pete Jr. https://t.co/Vw92QW0X2y
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) March 10, 2025
He reminded everyone of Bayless’s own past, throwing shade by referencing his unimpressive high school basketball stats. What’s more?
This is not the first time Johnson has fought back against Bayless on someone’s behalf! He had previously defended Chris Paul when Bayless called him an “all-time flop artist”. What’s interesting is that the American sports columnist has now deleted his tweet! Does this mean he is taking his statement back? For now, we can only speculate.
Kevin Durant opens up about the Coach Mike Budenholzer fight
The Phoenix Suns should have been celebrating. They had just pulled off an incredible comeback, erasing a 23-point deficit to beat the Clippers 119-117. But instead of focusing on the win, all eyes were on a courtside exchange between Kevin Durant and head coach Mike Budenholzer.
Captured on camera, their intense conversation quickly became the story. Was this a sign of deeper issues? Did Durant feel frustrated with his coach? Within moments, speculation flooded social media.
Durant wasted no time shutting down the noise. “That’s what usually happens when you don’t know the dynamics of a relationship,” he said. He explained that these discussions weren’t new, just two competitors strategizing. “We’re both competitive… Sometimes my way ain’t what Bud wants, sometimes his way ain’t what I want.”
Feb 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) gestures to the referee for a foul call against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Backing Durant’s point, Budenholzer reiterated that open dialogue is part of their competitive nature. He, too, emphasized that they built their relationship on open dialogue. He even credited Durant’s leadership for shaping how they closed out the game.
Still, the internet refused to let the moment go. Some saw it as proof of chemistry issues within the Suns. Others speculated that it hinted at deeper frustrations, maybe even trade rumors. Durant, however, expected the overreaction. “People couldn’t wait… Even some folks in Phoenix couldn’t wait to run with that.”
Amid the drama, the game itself became an afterthought. Durant dominated the fourth quarter, scoring 19 of his 34 points, while Devin Booker added key plays. Their late-game surge outscored the Clippers 43-22, securing a much-needed win.
Despite external doubts, Durant’s game speaks louder than any criticism. His leadership and late-game heroics continue to shape the Suns’ playoff hopes, proving that ‘semi-retired’ is far from the reality Bayless suggests.
The post “This Waterboy Was Washed”: Backing Kevin Durant, Ex-Suns Star Fires Back At Skip Bayless Over ‘Semi-Retired’ Jab appeared first on EssentiallySports.