The Phoenix Suns ended this season not with a bang, but with a thud. A painful, embarrassing collapse that left fans stunned and the front office under a glaring spotlight. Despite having the highest payroll in NBA history and boasting a superstar trio, the Suns crashed out of playoff and play-in contention after a brutal blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder 125-112 on April 9.
Now, with speculation swirling and criticism mounting, Suns general manager James Jones has broken his silence with a blunt message about the team’s offseason direction, specifically involving star Kevin Durant.
Suns GM Gave Subtle Hint Regarding Kevin Durant’s Future
During a recent press conference, a reporter directly asked Jones about the franchise’s plans moving forward, especially after team owner Mat Ishbia publicly expressed his disappointment with how the season unfolded. In response, Jones didn’t mince words.
“That hasn’t changed. The fact that we aren’t where we want to be from a winning perspective means that we have to look at everything, but a lot of changes that we’ll be in the best interest of the team.”
“We evaluate all those things. So Kevin. Look, he had a tremendous season. Devin, Brad, those guys did great things individually. Right now, we are just trying to figure out how to collectively move this team forward,” said Jones during the interview.
Ishbia, who has only been the Suns’ majority owner since February 2023, came in with high expectations and an aggressive vision for building a championship contender. He wasted no time shaking up the roster, pulling off the blockbuster trade for Durant just days after taking over.
But after watching this season’s performance, Ishbia appears determined to take matters into his own hands this summer. The NBA recently witnessed his first steps in that process, as the Suns recently fired head coach Mike Budenholzer.
“Embarrassing season, right?” Ishbia told reporters. “Disappointing. Awful. I watch every game like all you guys do, and no one’s proud of it, no one’s happy with it, from me, to the front office, to the coaches and players, to the marketing executives, to the security guards. … It was a failure.”
Jones told reporters that he will make decisions this offseason that will be in the “best interest of the team.” Those comments signal that Durant could very well be on his way out.
Durant arrived in Phoenix in February 2023 via a blockbuster trade from the Brooklyn Nets. Seen as the missing piece to help Devin Booker and, later, Bradley Beal, Durant has put up strong numbers in his time with the Suns, averaging 26.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 145 games.
Now, with the season over, the rumor mill is spinning fast. Several reports have hinted at the possibility of Durant once again being on the move. Most notably, NBA insider Shams Charania recently reported that the Houston Rockets have emerged as a potential landing spot for the two-time Finals MVP.
What’s next for Durant and the Suns remains a mystery. Jones’ statement suggests that everything is on the table, including a dramatic retooling of the roster. One thing is certain: change is coming.
Durant Might Not Go to the Rockets Next Season
As mentioned before, Charania had reported that Durant is likely to join the Rockets this summer. The rumor sparked major excitement among Rockets fans and stirred speculation around the league. However, a new report suggests that things might not be heading in that direction after all.
According to veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein, Durant’s move to Houston is now seen as less likely.
“With the 52-win Rockets soon to open a playoff series against Golden State, sources tell
@JakeLFischer and me a Houston pursuit of Durant is even “less likely” than previously thought. Phoenix today acknowledged KD could be dealt this offseason,” wrote Stein on his X handle.
This season, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game and showed that he can still perform at an elite level. No matter which team he ends up with, Durant’s presence will serve as a major game-changer.
