Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Footprint Center. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kevin Durant shows loyalty to Suns despite team's trade attempt

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Feb 10, 2025 5:10 PM ET

Kevin Durant was reportedly available for trade ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. The Golden State Warriors are rumored to have tested the waters. However, Durant had no inclination to return to the franchise he helped win two championships.

Despite the Phoenix Suns openly shopping their star player, Durant remains in Arizona. The superstar scorer was initially expected to be disgruntled. After all, he's appeared settled with the franchise and has repeatedly stated his commitment to helping bring a championship to the organization.

Yet, it would appear Durant is moving past the Suns' attempts to trade him. At 36 years old, he understands the business-like nature of the NBA.

"I always had a goal of playing my contract out and seeing what happens," Durant said during a recent news conference. "I can't focus on a year and a half down the line. I try to focus on the day ahead of me...My body language, how I speak to you guys after the games, how I'm looking on the bench; that stuff will be magnified, which sucks. But that's a part of the business that I got to just deal with, and accept."

Kevin Durant on whether the trade rumors have impacted feelings on his future in Phoenix: “No, I always had a goal of playing my contract out and seeing what happens….I know that’ll be a topic, that’s probably the most frustrating thing about being in trade talks is that the… pic.twitter.com/NBpH9mFzY9
— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) February 10, 2025

Durant has another season left on his four-year $189 million deal. Unless the Suns trade him this summer, it's likely he remains in Arizona for the duration of his contract. After that, he's just as likely to sign a new deal somewhere in the NBA as he is to retire.

Phoenix needs to improve its current roster. The trio of Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker isn't working. The Suns could look to explore potential landing spots for Durant again this summer. However, if they want a chance of landing stars in the future, they would be better served convincing Beal to waive his no-trade clause.

Considering Durant is willing to let the Suns' attempts to trade him slide, it's hard to envision him changing teams this summer. As such, Phoenix likely has one more year to maximize Durant's tenure on the roster. If they fall short, their Big Three era will go down as a disaster that sets the franchise back by years, and that could potentially cost them Booker further down the line.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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