It’s arguably the most exciting time of year for NBA fans, especially those who love drama. As has often been the case in recent seasons, a lot of that drama centers around Phoenix Suns future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant.
The two-time NBA champion is looking to move on once again and reportedly has a list of three teams he’d like to join: the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Miami Heat.
Early indications suggest that the Suns will try to appease Durant, but this has some analysts wondering why.
Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo Believes the Phoenix Suns Don’t Owe Kevin Durant Anything
While appearing on ESPN’s “First Take,” Chris “Mad Dog” Russo questioned why the Suns would even think about trading Durant, especially if it means sending him exactly where he wants to go.
“Why? Did he win a championship in Phoenix that I missed?” Russo asked. “Has he ever won a playoff game for the Suns? … No. They were swept by Minnesota [Timberwolves in 2024], and this year they didn’t even get into the postseason.”
.@MadDogUnleashed doesn’t believe the Suns should help KD out with a trade 😯
“Why? Did he win a championship in Phoenix that I missed? … He has left no legacy there to speak of.” pic.twitter.com/6Fr4XhqC53
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 18, 2025
Russo doesn’t believe the Suns owe Durant, who reportedly blocked a trade to the Timberwolves, anything.
“They owe KD absolutely nothing,” Russo continued. “The [Golden State Warriors], you can make an argument that he helped them win two championships. What did KD do for the Phoenix franchise? Absolutely nothing. I don’t understand. What did he do? He has left no legacy there to speak of.
“Kevin Johnson left a bigger legacy. Tom Chambers. Paul Westphal. Dennis Johnson. [Devin] Booker. They’ve left bigger legacies in Phoenix than KD did.”
Russo noted that Durant hasn’t won a playoff series with the Suns. While his point mostly holds, it’s worth remembering that the Suns did beat the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the 2023 playoffs before losing to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals.
“Now we gotta make sure that KD gets what he wants,” Russo said. “Nonsense! I wouldn’t do that if I was the Suns’ management. I’m gonna make the best deal for my team, and if KD ends up in New Orleans, deal with it.”
Durant will turn 37 before the start of next season, and despite his age and history of nagging injuries, he remains a star. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season while shooting 52.7% from the field.
