The Phoenix Suns are poised for significant changes this offseason after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, starting with the firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer. This move hints at a broader transformation within the organization, with some speculating that even franchise star Kevin Durant could find himself on the trading block.
Rich Paul, the well-known NBA agent and head of Klutch Sports, recently shared his insights on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show regarding Durant’s potential market value. He noted, “Whichever team wants to add a [Kevin Durant] at this stage in his career has to be looking to win a championship.” This sentiment reflects the urgency that teams will have when considering acquiring a player of Durant’s caliber, especially given his storied history of success in the league.
The Suns initially brought Durant on board, envisioning a championship-caliber trio alongside Chris Paul and Devin Booker at the 2023 trade deadline. However, after failing to advance past the second round of the playoffs that year—largely due to insufficient time to develop team chemistry—the organization opted to shake things up. They traded Paul the following offseason and welcomed Bradley Beal to the roster.
Regrettably, the 2024 playoffs witnessed a swift exit for the Suns at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, and the team failed to qualify for the playoffs altogether in 2025. These results imply a desperate need for a revamped approach moving forward.
So, which teams might pursue Durant? Despite the ongoing question of his impact on winning compared to his prime years with the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder, Durant’s scoring ability and elite efficiency still make him a highly sought-after asset. If playoff-bound teams experience early exits, you might see franchises like the Timberwolves consider a move for him. Adding Durant could catalyze the growth of emerging stars like Anthony Edwards, providing him vital support on the perimeter.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks may decide to add another star, hoping to maximize the effectiveness of key players like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, while the Miami Heat continue to remain hopeful of landing big names through trade, despite past disappointments.
There’s no doubt that the Suns are approaching a pivotal moment in their franchise history, with major decisions looming over the next few months. The path they choose could shape not only their immediate future but the landscape of the NBA as a whole.
