A nightmare season for the Phoenix Suns may have just received the knockout blow to their postseason hopes. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Kevin Durant is dealing with a left ankle sprain. Due to his bad wheel, the 15-time All-Star is likely to miss at least one week.
Phoenix, 35-40, reside 1.5 games out of the play-in tournament. The Suns are about to embark on a three-game road trip against the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks.
Durant's injury also coincides with his team trying to find its way back into the win column after three straight losses. Sunday, the Suns suffered their most lopsided loss of the season, a 39-point thrashing at the hands of the Houston Rockets.
There's also a personal accolade at risk for Durant. The 11-time All-NBA selection has appeared in 62 tilts this season. He must suit up for 65 to qualify for a 12th. That means he must return before Apr. 9 and play the final three games on Phoenix's schedule.
Durant is generating 26.6 points per contest, the sixth-most in the Association. He's also averaging 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks. He is shooting nearly 53 percent from the field and converting on 43 percent of the 6.0 threes he's hoisting per game. The 36.5 minutes he's logging per matchup are the fifth-most in the league.
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HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 12: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns shoots against Tari Eason #17 of the ... More Houston Rockets during the second half of the game at Toyota Center on March 12, 2025 in Houston, Texas. The Houston Rockets won 111-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)Getty Images
While surely Durant cares more about his team reaching the postseason, the Suns must navigate the most difficult remaining schedule in the NBA. That includes hosting the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder after they return home from the three-game road trip that starts Tuesday night in Milwaukee.
As for Durant's future in Phoenix, the former league MVP spoke out against his time in the desert ending at this year's trade deadline. He specifically rejected the prospect of rejoining the Warriors, with whom he twice lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
"I want my career to end on my own terms," said Durant while discussing the subject on The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis. "I cost a lot...it's going to be a big blow to any team I'm going to...it just don't make sense for either side right now."
But that situation also makes it appear that the Suns are willing to close an underwhelming chapter. Since acquiring Durant, they have only won one playoff series.
While the future first-ballot Hall of Famer's tenure in Phoenix may end with the franchise failing to reach the play-in tournament, the same could prove true for Devin Booker.
Teams will come calling about the four-time All-Star's availability this summer. With Booker turning 29 in October, the Suns, who have limited assets, may pivot from this iteration of the team by rebuilding for the future with the promising prospect of what they can get back for their franchise stars.