Suns star Kevin Durant sends 4-word message amid trade talk

Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant fired off a four-word message on social media in response to a fan amid swirling trade speculation.

Durant was named a potential target for the Houston Rockets after the team completed a major trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The deal included the Suns’ 2027 first-round pick, which ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said would make it “easier” for Houston to trade for Durant.

“The implications of the Rockets landing the Suns’ picks? Houston wants to trade for Kevin Durant and that becomes a lot easier if they can return to the Nets the Suns picks they gave up in the Durant deal. Wojnarowski tweeted. “The Suns said they are keeping Durant for now, but that could change next season. But now Houston has the choices to rebuild the Suns.

Shortly after the Woj news broke, Durant fired back at a fan who responded to the news.

“KD is so sorry. Look at his reputation now lol,” the fan wrote.

Durant replied: “Well, check the ball then.”

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Suns unlikely to trade Kevin Durant

Wojnarowski pushed back slightly on the idea of ​​Durant being dealt after his initial report. He cited the Suns’ plan to return with their current group and try to win a championship with the core of Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. However, he noted how the Rockets’ decision could come into play down the line.

“As intrigued as the Rockets are about Durant, they are determined to use the Suns’ picks to be aggressive on deals elsewhere now, sources told ESPN. Phoenix has made it clear they want to return with that group, and Houston is now looking for a major upgrade,” Wojnarowski said.

He continued: “The Rockets have a trade pick with the Suns in 2025, the Suns’ pick in 2027 and could end up with the Suns’ pick in 2029 depending on contingencies. If the Suns ever face a team breakdown, Houston is also in a prime position to pursue a young Devin Booker. For now, Phoenix is ​​trying to win.

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Suns star Kevin Durant had issues with his role

Durant’s first full season with the Suns didn’t go as planned. He averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists, but it was an up-and-down year. It ended with a thud when Phoenix was swept in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

After the elimination, The Athletic reported that Durant had an issue with his role within the offense.

“Sources briefed on the matter told The Athletic that Durant never felt comfortable with his role in Phoenix’s offense alongside Booker and Beal this season,” wrote Shams Charania and Doug Haller of The Athletic. These sources said Durant had ongoing issues with the offense, too often feeling relegated to the corner and not having the proper designs to exploit his strengths because the offense was built around the pick-and-roll .”

The Suns parted ways with head coach Frank Vogel shortly after the season and hired Mike Budenholzer.