Phoenix Suns fans may not have to donate their Kevin Durant jerseys to Goodwill just yet.
A surprising new report emerged Tuesday on the Suns star Durant’s future from Logan Murdock of The Ringer. Murdock reports that “the book isn’t closed” on Durant potentially returning to Phoenix next season. Additionally, Murdock writes that Durant, who is eligible for a two-year, $122 million extension this summer, is also “open” to a return to the Suns.
The 36-year-old Durant is under contract for one more guaranteed season with the Suns, but all signs have seemingly been pointing to a split between the two sides this offseason. Phoenix is a disappointing 35-40 this season (one game back of the final play-in spot in the Western Conference), and yet they are neck-deep in the second apron with a roster that is costing them over $400 million this season (in both salary and tax bills).
Kevin Durant looking on
Apr 6, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) against the Denver Nuggets in the first half at Footprint Center. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
There are also limited pathways from here for the Suns to get out of the second apron, which will get increasingly punitive the longer that they spend in it. Bradley Beal is armed with a full no-trade clause, and trading away Devin Booker, Phoenix’s longest-tenured player who sounds very much committed to spending his entire NBA career with the franchise, would risk a revolt from their fans. Thus, a trade of Durant is likely the Suns’ last and best resort to preserve some semblance of longer-term flexibility.
Opposing teams are obviously still plenty interested in Durant too, especially since he is averaging 26.6 points per game on 53/43/84 shooting splits this season (right in line with his career averages despite his age). Some really intriguing suitors have already been mentioned in connection with Durant, so the Suns should easily be able to command a return package that is enough to incentivize pulling the trigger there.
But on the flip side of things, there are also signs that Phoenix is not quite ready to part ways with Durant just yet. A few weeks ago, a report suggested that the Suns could make a major change to try to appease the ex-MVP Durant, and now Murdock’s report is providing more hope for the potential of a continued partnership.