Kevin Durant’s future with the Phoenix Suns is in doubt, and Suns owner Mat Ishbia isn’t exactly shutting down trade speculation. With the team underachieving and trade rumors swirling, is Phoenix preparing for a major shake-up? While he didn’t confirm a trade, he also didn’t dismiss the possibility. In fact, if you read between the lines, it sounds like big changes could be coming this offseason, maybe even a shake-up involving Durant. With the Suns falling way short of expectations, the front office has some serious decisions to make this summer.
Now, let’s be real. Durant has been putting up numbers. He’s averaging 26.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game – elite production. But here’s the problem – the Suns still aren’t winning. They’re sitting outside the playoff picture, which is pretty shocking for a team that was built to compete for a championship. So what now?
Despite Durant’s impressive stats, team owner Mat Ishbia has expressed the need for offseason evaluations.
“I’ll just say that we’re going to evaluate in the offseason,” Ishbia told ESPN. “We’re going to find a way to win, and it’s probably a lot easier winning with Kevin Durant than without him. But at the same time, yes, if we’re not good enough in this iteration of the Phoenix Suns, we’re going to find a way to be better next year.”
That’s not exactly a full-blown vote of confidence, is it?
Durant, who turns 37 in September, has one more year left on his deal at $54.7 million. And here’s where things get interesting—he had no idea his name was even being floated in trade talks before last month’s deadline. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Suns were making calls. They explored deals with multiple teams, including the Timberwolves, Heat, Rockets, and Knicks. Nothing happened in the end, but Phoenix’s willingness to entertain trade discussions signals an uncertain future for Durant.
The Suns are also facing significant cap constraints. Beal’s no-trade clause limits their flexibility, and any Durant deal would require a team willing to absorb his $54.7 million contract.
And let’s not ignore the obvious, finding a trade partner won’t be easy. Despite his scoring prowess, Durant’s age and injury history make him a high-risk, high-reward trade target. That said, if the Suns decide they need to hit the reset button, trading Durant might be the best way to do it.
Devin Booker is untouchable, but other Suns pieces could move
One thing we do know for sure—Devin Booker isn’t going anywhere. Ishbia shut down that idea fast, calling it “silly” and making it clear that Booker is the guy they’re building around.
“Never happen,” Ishbia said when asked about trading Booker. “It’s silly. Here’s what I’ll tell you: I have Devin Booker in the prime. In order to win an NBA championship, you got to have a superstar. You got to have a great player.”
So, Booker stays. But what about the rest of the roster?
Bradley Beal could be a different story. Earlier this season, he wasn’t interested in waiving his no-trade clause for a deal involving Jimmy Butler. But this summer? Things might change. His role in Phoenix has been up and down, and his massive contract is a problem if the Suns want to add depth. If they decide to shake things up, moving Beal might be on the table.
Nov 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) look on against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
And then there’s the big question – how do the Suns actually get better?
One name to keep an eye on is Naz Reid, the NBA’s new Sixth Man of the Year. He’s been huge for the Timberwolves, averaging 14.8 points and 6.1 rebounds off the bench. He’s exactly the kind of player Phoenix could use. Someone who can bring energy, toughness, and scoring without taking away touches from Booker. If the Suns want to retool instead of fully rebuild, targeting a guy like Reid could be the move.
The Suns face a critical offseason that could reshape their franchise trajectory. Whether they double down on their current core or explore a rebuild, the decisions made in the coming months will determine if Phoenix remains a contender or fades into mediocrity.
The post Kevin Durant Trade Talks: Suns Owner Leaves Future Uncertain Amid Interest Around NBA 6th Man of The Year appeared first on EssentiallySports.