Kevin Durant is once again the focus of NBA trade rumors—and this time, the talk is louder than ever.
Reports say the Phoenix Suns could move on from the two-time NBA champ this summer. While Durant is still considered one of the best scorers in the league, not everyone is convinced he’s the same player he once was.
One of those doubters? FOX analyst Jason McIntyre.
Jason McIntyre Keeps It Real Regarding KD
McIntyre shared his thoughts on Kevin Durant’s future during an appearance on The Herd, suggesting that a trade this summer appears increasingly likely. While McIntyre acknowledged Durant as a top-15 player of all time, he also raised concerns about the direction of his career.
“Kevin Durant in the postseason is not what he used to be,” McIntyre said. “Kevin Durant has been swept in two of his last three trips to the playoffs—and yes, both were with super teams.”
He continued with a pointed comparison:
“Are we in a world where Kevin Durant is close to ending his career like Patrick Ewing did with the Seattle Sonics? You guys remember Olajuwon wearing a Raptors jersey, Karl Malone sitting on the bench with the Lakers?”
McIntyre didn’t hold back as he wrapped up his argument:
“This is like a year or two away, maybe, for Kevin Durant.”
.@jasonrmcintyre wonders what the trade market for @KDTrey5 even looks like 🤔 pic.twitter.com/WHwOkJSLDP
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) June 4, 2025
While McIntyre is correct that Durant was swept in 2022 by the Boston Celtics, while playing for the Brooklyn Nets alongside fellow superstars Kyrie Irving and James Harden, he was also swept in 2024 by the Minnesota Timberwolves after being traded to the Suns.
However, comparing Durant’s potential career trajectory to Karl Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, or Patrick Ewing feels like a stretch. McIntyre even dulls his argument by acknowledging that Durant is already a top-15 player of all time.
Fans might eventually overlook the latter stages of Durant’s career, especially if he moves between multiple teams, similarly to how Shaquille O’Neal’s career ended. But just like Shaq, Durant should still be remembered as one of the all-time greats and given his flowers when he eventually retires.
McIntyre and KD Have a History of Beef
This isn’t the first time the FOX analyst has taken aim at the 13-time All-Star. In early 2024, McIntyre criticized Durant’s habit of engaging with Twitter trolls, calling it an unwise move for a player of his stature. Durant quickly fired back with a fiery response, exchanging personal jabs with McIntyre as the two went back and forth through direct messages on Instagram.
Durant is an avid social media user who often reads and responds to negative comments about himself or the NBA. It’ll be interesting to see if KD responds to McIntyre’s bold claim that he may be heading down the “washed-up” path.
