The Phoenix Suns had a terrible 2024-25 season. They missed the playoffs and play-in tournament despite having All-Stars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal and were 28th in the NBA in defensive rating.
The Suns hired Frank Vogel, who coached the Los Angeles Lakers to the 2020 championship, in 2023. Vogel only lasted one year in Phoenix, as he was fired in 2024.
Mike Budenholzer, who coached the Milwaukee Bucks to the 2021 title against the Suns, was hired by Phoenix as Vogel's replacement. Just like Vogel, Budeholzer was fired after one year.
Not only are the Suns looking for another new head coach this offseason, but they are also looking to trade Durant, who has one year left on his contract. A two-time champion, Durant will make $54.7 million next season.
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant
Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Suns are trying to trade Durant to the Houston Rockets.
Phoenix wants to regain full control of its draft capital, starting with the No. 10 pick in this year’s NBA Draft.
“This is not to say the Rockets and Suns are not in communication. On the contrary, Phoenix is aggressive in pursuit of a) trading Kevin Durant and b) regaining full control of their draft capital starting with the No. 10 pick in next month’s draft, team sources said,” Iko wrote.
“Since the conclusion of the season, Houston has fielded several calls from Phoenix, who have since gradually lowered their asking price for Durant, those sources said. There is a price where the Rockets would be interested, but with a fear of breaking up their roster for a 36-year-old coming off injury, doubt remains over a deal materializing.”
Durant turns 37 in September. The superstar forward averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Suns this season.
Houston made the playoffs this year for the first time since 2020. The team lost to the Golden State Warriors in the first round in seven games.
It will be fascinating to see where Durant is playing next season. The future Hall of Famer has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Warriors, Brooklyn Nets and Suns.