The offseason is underway for the Phoenix Suns, and they've been busy making moves. The Suns' season was far from what fans had hoped for a year removed from being swept out of the NBA Playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Phoenix followed up by going a disappointing 36-46 and missing out on even a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
As a result, owner Mat Ishbia began making changes right away. They fired NBA Championship-winning head coach Mike Budenholzer, who defeated the Suns in the NBA Finals in 2021 with the Milwaukee Bucks. In addition to the coaching change, Ishbia made a significant change in the front office, inserting Brian Gregory as the new general manager and moving James Jones into a senior advisory role.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant dunks against Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George during a game at Wells Fargo Center. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant dunks against Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George during a game at Wells Fargo Center. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Kevin Durant has "great bag" but never accomplished what LeBron James has
With the new general manager and new head coach in place in Jordan Ott, the Suns will likely shift their focus to the Kevin Durant situation. The Suns were rumored to be looking to trade Durant at the February trade deadline, but held off.
Any team that could add a player like Durant would likely automatically become a contender, especially if he heads to the Eastern Conference. Ahead of any move, however, Fox Sports' Chris Broussard gave an honest take regarding Durant and his scoring moves.
“KD is viewed as a great bag but he don't impact winning like Lebron and never did," Broussard said. "Never came close to that. I just think it's about winning and productivity, and LeBron James had it at a level that hardly anybody else has ever had."
Many teams have been brought up as possible destinations for Durant. It remains to be seen as to what type of haul the Suns will be looking for. Will they prioritize draft picks with prospects attached, or will they go after a player like Jalen Green from the Houston Rockets to give them a promising young player to help them contend next season.
It's not often a player of Durant's pedigree is brought up in trade rumors, so it will be interesting to continue monitoring this summer.