Kevin Durant addressed his place in trade rumors on Monday in his first media availability since the deadline. Durant was discussed in trade talks by the Phoenix Suns with the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and other teams. By all accounts, Durant would have been traded to the Warriors but he expressed a preference not to reunite with his former team.
“It’s just part of the business,” Durant told reporters at practice Monday. “Everybody’s bought and sold in this league. Anybody can be up for auction, so I understand that. It’s just about getting back on the court and trying to go out and play the game that I love.
“It’s part of the business though — we’ve all got to understand that.”
Durant could sign an extension with the Suns this summer, but could also be traded.
“It’s not a bad thing that people around the league want me to play for them,” Durant said. “It’s not a bad thing my organization here is fighting off people to keep me on the team or even dangle me in a trade.
“It’s part of being in high demand.”