Speculation about Kevin Durant’s future with the Phoenix Suns was at an all-time high before the trade deadline, with rumors of a possible reunion with the Golden State Warriors bouncing around social media as well. While the whispers have emerged during a sideways Suns season, there’s still a possibility of Durant being traded in the offseason.
However, Durant is clear about his love for Phoenix, and he made it known in a recent interview that he intends to stay with the Suns.
‘I Never Planned On Leaving’ — Kevin Durant Addresses Uncertain Future With Phoenix Suns
Phoenix was reportedly looking to trade Durant to the Warriors with increasing interest from Golden State before the trade deadline. However, the forward wasn’t interested in the reunion, with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reporting that he had grown upset about not being aware of the talks happening.
Durant confirmed the reports in a recent interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, saying he never asked to be traded out of Phoenix.
“You gotta ask the front office about that,” he told Andrews. “I mean I never planned on leaving or moving or getting traded. I didn’t ask for a trade from Phoenix.”
While the Warriors turned their attention to Jimmy Butler and eventually acquired him, the Suns have a lot to ponder. They have the highest payroll in the NBA at $212.2 million with an additional $152 million in luxury tax payments but are sitting 11th in the Western Conference. Durant acknowledges that “somebody has to go.”
“But obviously when you pay so much for a team and we’re not playing up to our expectation and somebody has to go,” Durant continued. “You probably should check in with those guys in the front office throughout the rest of the season and see how they feel about the team.
“I know that I’m going to try and keep bringing my best every single day, and I let the higher-ups focus on what’s next.”
KD on possibly being moved this summer:
“You gotta ask the front office about that. I didn’t ask for a trade from Phoenix” pic.twitter.com/KZC2nqM7eO
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 18, 2025
Durant has been impressive this season despite missing 13 games due to injuries. He’s averaging 27.3 points, 6.0 boards, and 4.2 assists per game and stands sixth in the league in terms of scoring. He also ranks seventh among forwards with 1.4 blocks per game.
The 36-year-old is under contract beyond this year with a cap hit of $54.7 million and recently represented the Suns at the 2025 All-Star Game after earning his 15th selection in 17 years. He was part of the Shaq’s OGs, who defeated Chuck’s Global Stars 41-25.
