PHOENIX — Kevin Durant is still a member of the Phoenix Suns and is eager to hit the court following a week filled with trade speculation leading up to the deadline, where his name was frequently mentioned in potential deals involving the franchise.
“It’s just part of the business,” Durant expressed to the media during practice on Monday. “Everyone in this league is either bought or sold. There’s always a possibility that someone could be traded, so I get that. The focus now is to get back on the court and play the game that I’m passionate about.
“We all have to acknowledge that this is part of the industry.”
As it turned out, the Suns had a notably low-key trade deadline. They traded away unhappy center Jusuf Nurkic to the Charlotte Hornets, but they managed to retain their core players, ensuring that Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal remain the team’s main trio as they seek to make progress in the standings.
With a record of 26-26, Phoenix is currently in a tie with the Sacramento Kings for ninth place in the Western Conference.
Prior to the trade deadline, both Durant and Beal were at the center of numerous trade rumors. General manager James Jones remained tight-lipped and did not reveal how much consideration he gave to offloading either of the star players when questioned on Friday.
“It tends to get noisy when you’re not winning,” Jones noted. “And right now, we’re not winning.”
Durant, aged 36, has missed the last three games due to a sprained ankle but is optimistic about returning for Tuesday’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Suns’ record significantly dips to 2-11 this season when the 6-foot-11 forward is absent from the lineup.
Despite the setbacks, Durant continues to prove himself as an elite scorer, posting nearly 27 points per game with a shooting percentage of 52%. The forward still has a contract with the Suns for the upcoming season and affirmed that his intention has always been to fulfill the terms of his agreement.
“It’s encouraging that teams around the league want to have me play for them,” Durant stated. “It’s also a positive that my organization is making an effort to hold onto me or even consider me in trade discussions.
“It only highlights how sought after I am.”
