The Phoenix Suns are navigating a difficult offseason after missing the NBA Playoffs, ending their season with a 36-46 record that fell far short of expectations for a team featuring stars like Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. This disappointing result comes just one year after the Suns were swept out of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In response, the franchise made swift leadership changes, dismissing head coach Mike Budenholzer and shifting James Jones to a senior advisory position. Brian Gregory has been appointed as the new general manager, reflecting ownership’s intent to redirect the team’s future.

How the New Management Is Approaching the Kevin Durant Trade Decision

With Brian Gregory now in charge, closely connected to owner Mat Ishbia, the Suns are confronting a pivotal choice about the future of Kevin Durant. Although rumors circulated during the trade deadline in February about moving Durant, no deal was finalized. Gregory’s new role places him in a challenging position as he evaluates trade options involving one of the NBA’s premier talents.

One recent trade scenario proposed by ESPN’s analyst Bobby Marks involves sending Durant to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Mike Conley, and the 17th overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. This suggests the Suns are exploring ways to rebuild while leveraging Durant’s value.

However, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith cautions the Suns to be deliberate in their decision-making. He emphasized,

This cannot be, ‘I’m doing the star a favor looking to move.’ This is about you if you’re Mat Ishbia and the Phoenix Suns,

adding,

This is about you making sure that you get it right.

—Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Analyst

Balancing Team Needs and Durant’s Preferences

While the Suns may wish to consider Durant’s preferences for a trade destination, the star forward does not have a no-trade clause, which means the team holds significant control over his future. Balancing the need to keep Durant somewhat comfortable with the business imperative of securing the best possible return presents a complex challenge.

The Suns must avoid turning down superior offers simply to accommodate Durant’s team choice, as doing so could impede the franchise’s long-term rebuilding efforts. Finding the right trade deal will be crucial for the Suns’ competitiveness in future seasons.

The destination for Kevin Durant remains uncertain, but acquiring a player of his caliber carries serious implications for any team involved, signaling a major shift in the league’s landscape once the trade is finalized.