When Kevin Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, reports emerged soon after that the Phoenix Suns were on his shortlist of preferred destinations.
But after the franchise re-signed Deandre Ayton, the Suns potential trade offer became near on impossible to land a player of Durant’s stature. Furthermore, it quickly became apparent that the Nets were never willing to move their franchise cornerstone.
Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones has confirmed that there was “nothing to” their discussions with the Brooklyn Nets about Kevin Durant.
In an in-depth interview (subscription required) with Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin, Jones confirmed that Phoenix, nor any other team, were ever really in the hunt to acquire the Nets superstar.
"“It’s always a great topic of discussion, but the one thing people forget is that when you’re talking about trades, or any player acquisition, the team that has the player has to be willing to move the player,” Jones said.“We had discussions with Brooklyn about their desires and what they were trying to do, but ultimately, I would say like most teams, there was nothing to it.”"
Having signed Durant to a four-year extension in August of 2021, it’s become apparent that Brooklyn wanted to maintain control of the two-time Finals MVP. It’s also clear that Durant acknowledged this, and not wanting to hold out from playing the game he loves, begrudgingly removed his trade request to return to the Nets for the time being.
While Phoenix may have missed out, it was ultimately a win for the future of the league. Trading Durant, especially to a team he desired to go to, would have set a dangerous precedent and a major issue moving forward.
It’s always important to view these scenarios with the shoe on the other foot. How would Suns fans feel if their superstar, Devin Booker, requested a trade at this point with a massive six years still left on his deal?
Durant could always request a trade again should the situation in Brooklyn not turnaround. If that does eventuate, then Jones and the Suns should place themselves in pole position to add an all-time great player.