The 2024-25 Phoenix Suns closed with a 36‑46 mark, finishing 11th in the Western Conference and missing the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2020, sparking a "soft rebuild" discussion in Phoenix.
Kevin Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists on 43% 3‑point shooting, remaining one of the league’s most elite scorers.
Yet, with just one year left on a $54.7 million deal, whispers of a move to the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets or Miami Heat, among others, have dominated headlines over the past few weeks.
As NBA trade rumors continue to swirl, Durant shared a vintage snapshot on Wednesday of himself, when playing for the Seattle SuperSonics in his rookie year, being guarded by Kobe Bryant, captioning it, "ALWAYS HACKIN MAN… WISH U WERE HERE BEAN."
Kevin Durant, Instagram
Kevin Durant, Instagram
Kevin Durant, Instagram
In 20 seasons, all with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant won five NBA championships, two Finals MVPs and one league MVP, finishing his career as an 18-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA First Team honoree.
His sudden passing in January 2020 left a void both on and off the court, being posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame twice (2020 as a player, 2025 with the 2008 Olympic team).
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second half at Footprint Center.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35).
Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Durant has long cited Bryant as a role model.
In 2015, he admitted he "idolized Kobe… he was our Michael Jordan" and angrily criticized media treatment of Bryant late in his career.
The understated tribute arrives at a pivotal moment as Durant, fresh off another All-Star season, finds himself the centerpiece of blockbuster rumors as the Suns weigh offers ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25.