Kevin Durant Gets Honest About Beef With Suns Coaching Staff

In the world of professional basketball, relationships between star players and coaches often come under scrutiny. Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns recently clarified his working relationship with head coach Mike Budenholzer, emphasizing respect and clear communication. Durant explained that he views himself as a supportive team member rather than someone who dictates game plans or strategies to the coaching staff.

“I don’t say, ‘Coach, we’ve got to do this.’ It’s his team. I’m there to be of assistance,” Durant said.

“If he need me to do anything. If I got some suggestions on what may happen, I’m asking him. I’m not telling him what to do. I’m asking him, ‘Yo Coach, what do you think, we should do this right here?’

“If he doesn’t think so, all right, then I’ll move on. I know with your wording, it’s subtle, a word may be off a little bit. I’ve never been that telling somebody what to do, but I’ve been in the league for a long time, and if I see something. Coach gives me the leeway to come to him if I see something out there that may be different.

“I think everyone on the team has that type of confidence to go to Coach with that stuff. I’m not telling him what he needs to do. I’m listening and giving suggestions and if it helps, it helps. If he doesn’t take it, then you move on to the next thing.”

This clarification comes after a brief sideline incident where Durant and Budenholzer appeared to have a tense exchange during a timeout. Despite video footage showing Durant brushing away the coach’s hand, both individuals have downplayed the interaction. Durant’s comments reflect his understanding of team hierarchy, acknowledging that while he might offer suggestions based on his extensive NBA experience, he ultimately respects that Budenholzer has final authority over team decisions.

Durant’s Relationship With Coach Won’t Impact Future

Recent reports about Kevin Durant’s interactions with Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer appear to be overblown. Durant himself has clarified that these supposed issues were “greatly exaggerated,” maintaining that he respects the coaching hierarchy. “It’s his team. I’m there to be of assistance,” Durant reportedly said about Budenholzer.

However, this clarification does little to address concerns about Durant’s future with the Suns. His partnership with Devin Booker hasn’t produced the championship results many expected when Durant joined the team in 2023. Despite the star power of the Suns’ roster, their performance has fallen short of expectations.

Behind the scenes, the Suns are reportedly exploring trade options for Durant this summer. Any potential deal would need to wait until after the current season concludes, as the trade deadline has already passed. The organization seems to be establishing a price point that would help them recover assets similar to what they surrendered to acquire him from Brooklyn.

Durant’s performance remains elite despite approaching age 37:

These impressive numbers make Durant an attractive trade target despite his age and injury history. Devin Booker’s development and the team’s strategic direction will likely factor into any decision about Durant’s future with the franchise.

The question isn’t whether teams will pursue Durant, but rather which organization will offer enough to entice the Suns into a deal. Several contenders could view Durant as the missing piece for a championship run, while rebuilding teams might hesitate to part with valuable young assets for a player in the later stages of his career.

Jennifer Withers Hoey

Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.