Phoenix Suns choose Durant’s loyalty over potential trade returns

Was that the right move?

The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and the Phoenix Suns didn’t make any major moves aside from shipping Jusuf Nurkic and his contract to Charlotte for a couple of assets likely to be waived this summer. But just because that was the only actual transaction doesn’t mean it’s all the Suns were discussing.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Suns had a deal lined up to acquire Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, Jonathan Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors, along with first-round picks, pick swaps, and second-round draft capital.

The deal was set, and everything seemed ready to go…until the 15-time All-Star killed it. Kevin Durant didn’t want to return to Golden State; he preferred to stay in Phoenix, though for how long remains up in the air.

This isn’t an article debating whether that deal would have made the Suns better, both in the short term and long term. Instead, it’s about whether the Suns should have allowed Durant to kill the deal. After all, it’s Bradley Beal who holds the no-trade clause, not Durant.

Some will argue that it should be the Suns organization, not Kevin Durant, that has the final say. They need to operate within the space that makes them a better team, aligning with their overall vision. Allowing Durant to nix the trade could be seen as going against that, prioritizing the player’s wishes over what’s best for the team.

Trading Durant for draft capital and a young player like Jonathan Kuminga might have been a smarter move in the long run. As for Jimmy Butler, while his contract is still financially taxing, he brings a level of grit and edge that the Suns desperately need.

Why would the Suns let KD determine the outcome of the deal? He’s not the GM. This isn’t his team. At the end of the day, it’s the Suns’ front office that should be making decisions that align with the long-term health of the organization, not a player. Even one as talented as Durant. The team needs to operate based on its vision and strategy, not be swayed by a player’s preferences. Letting Durant control the narrative could set a dangerous precedent for future decision-making.

But I believe the Suns did act in both their short-term and long-term best interests by allowing Durant to decline this trade.

Short term? When it comes to Jimmy Butler, the expectation would’ve been to offer him an extension, just like Golden State did. A $60+ million per year commitment over the next two years for Butler is a tough pill to swallow. Given that price tag, I’d rather stick with Durant, who offers more value for the future and talent right now.

Long term? There’s the perception of the Suns organization to consider. Letting Durant stay could send a message to future stars that Phoenix is a place where greatness is respected and nurtured.

Durant is a legend, especially in the eyes of players currently in the league. Guys like Anthony Edwards look up to him as a walking legend, someone they respect not just for his talent, but for what he’s represented in their own basketball journeys.

How many camps have we seen Kevin Durant involved in where players have developed into stars?

Durant’s influence stretches far beyond just his own play; his mentorship has helped elevate numerous young talents. From his time with Team USA to his involvement in off-season training and development, Durant has been a key figure in helping other players, especially those younger than him, improve their games.

Couple that with the fact that Durant is a top 15 player of all time in the history of the sport, and there’s a certain level of respect you give a player of that caliber. It’s an unwritten rule of sorts, but it’s something that’s recognized and valued throughout the league. We’re not talking about trading Jusuf Nurkic here. We’re talking about trading Kevin fucking Durant.

I know some will disagree with this stance. We actually had a long conversation about this on the latest Super Duper Mega Pod with various Suns content creators, and it’s clear that this subject stirs up strong opinions.

I know that as I post this poll below, I expect the results to be pretty even. I don’t disagree with you if you believe the organization should come first. But from my perspective, I think the way the Suns handled it was the right call. It might not have been in the best immediate interest of the organization — I’d love to have some of those first-round picks — but they treated Durant with the respect he’s earned throughout his career, and that kind of respect holds value down the line.

Do we want the Suns to continue being a desired destination for free agents once this whole chaotic period is over? Absolutely. You don’t do that by trading Kevin Durant, a guy who will definitely let you know if he’s upset because you didn’t consult him. It would create a negative stigma for the team. Welcome to the player empowerment era. That’s just how it is. It’s not a reality I always agree with, but it’s the reality of the league.

Of course, now you’re hearing rumors that Durant was upset the Suns even entertained trading him. Cool. Drama.

Tust me, that’s going to lead to plenty of articles right here on Bright Side of the Sun about whether or not he should be traded this offseason, where he could go, and what the return might look like.

But in the short term, the Suns made the right decision for their long-term viability as a desirable destination. I believe that. You might not, and that’s okay. We’re here to agree and disagree.

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