Phoenix Suns’ biggest mistake at 2025 NBA trade deadline
Putting Kevin Durant’s name in trade rumors could have ramifications.
As the All-Star break is approaching, the Phoenix Suns made a costly move involving Kevin Durant at the 2025 NBA trade deadline. While the latter clarified his desire to stay in Phoenix, management thought something different. The Suns pondered the idea of sending Durant to the Golden State Warriors in a three-team trade that would’ve brought Jimmy Butler to Phoenix.
The franchise made a drastic call. There was a legitimate deal in place to send Durant from the Suns to the Warriors. After catching wind of the trade, he turned it down. It sparked a variety of rumors across the NBA. From Durant shutting down the Suns having a ‘toxic locker room’ to likely not resigning, plenty of harm came from the trade deadline.
After the Suns traded their 2031 first-round pick for three more from the Utah Jazz, there’s an important factor.
The picks they received from Utah are all the least favorable. This means that out of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, or the Jazz, Phoenix will receive the pick of the team with the best record. Furthermore, the pick the Suns gave up was completely unprotected. Still, the franchise wanted these draft picks to trade for Jimmy Butler.
The only way to do that was to trade Bradley Beal. However, he had a no-trade clause and remained imperative about staying with the team. Because of this, the franchise wanted to regain some of its lost assets. Even if it meant going behind Durant’s back to get a deal.
Throughout the season, he’s been one of the most consistent players on the roster and in the league. He was named to his 15th All-Star Game and is likely to make an All-NBA team this season if he remains healthy. Plus, his 27.3 points per game in his 16th season is beyond impressive.
