This group failed to make it back to the NBA Finals in 2022, losing in the Western Conference Semifinals in hideous fashion to the Dallas Mavericks, then drama began to form within the organization. Despite falling short of winning a title with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks defeating them in six games, the Suns' championship window was wide open with Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson and veteran point guard Chris Paul leading the way. When the Phoenix Suns made the NBA Finals in 2021, it appeared as if they were going to rule over the Western Conference for years to come. She previously covered the league for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times, the Bay Area News Group and the San Antonio Express-News. Melissa Rohlin is an NBA writer for FOX Sports. He could finally find his home.Īfter Durant has brought so much joy to so many who love this sport, here's hoping he finds his happy place.Īnd here's guessing that's in the desert. He could help teach Paul and Booker what it takes to go all the way. He could avoid the distractions and pitfalls of a bigger city and focus on what means the most to him. If Durant has made one thing abundantly clear, it's that he shares that same credo.ĭurant playing out the last best years of his career for a small-market team that has never won a championship would be a beautiful turn. One of Williams' favorite mottos is "Basketball is a get to, not a got to." That makes him a perfect match for the Suns, who are all about building a culture of appreciation for the game. The thing about Durant is that he loves basketball more than anything else in the world. If Durant can find his way to the Suns, the move would be somewhat unspectacular, but oh so right. It wouldn't be him joining with Irving and Harden to create a hypothetical super team that never reached its potential. This move wouldn't be Durant jumping ship to an already established dynasty. Perhaps Durant could even help Paul finally win a championship. If the Suns acquired him, they'd have a superstar for essentially the rest of his prime, who could take a significant load off the 37-year-old Paul as he enters the twilight of his career. Now 33, he is under contract through 2025-26 after signing a four-year, $198 million extension in 2021. It makes sense that Durant is disillusioned with the team. Durant, meanwhile, poured his heart out on the court night after night, averaging 29.9 points and 7.4 rebounds last season.ĭespite his Herculean efforts, the Nets, who entered the season as title favorites, flamed out in the first round of the playoffs. He was the Nets' pillar of consistency amid unrest, which included Kyrie Irving playing in only 29 games because he refused to get vaccinated and James Harden forcing a trade to the 76ers in February. (When he played in OKC for the first time that season, he was ferociously booed and didn't get a tribute video.) He has been mocked for leaving Golden State for the Nets in 2019, especially after the Warriors won a championship this season.īut after showing loyalty to the Nets the past three seasons, Durant has earned the right to make this choice. When he left Oklahoma City for Golden State in 2016, he was accused of being a sellout. Following Draymond Green's comments regarding Kevin Durant's time with the Warriors, Nick Wright discusses the impact KD's career decisions on LeBron James' legacy.Īs for Durant, he has received endless scrutiny with every move he has made in the NBA.
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