Kevin Durant Will Only Stay With Phoenix Suns Under 1 Condition
Kevin Durant Will Only Stay With Phoenix Suns Under 1 Condition
Kevin Durant’s future with the Phoenix Suns is under a microscope as the team hunts for yet another new head coach. The franchise is right in the middle of another transition, one that feels especially loaded for both management and the players.
The next coaching appointment isn’t just a formality; it’s got extra weight this time. Durant’s decision to stick around or push for a trade seems tightly tied to who takes over as head coach, especially since he values leadership respected across the league.
If the Suns hire a “hard-nosed, largely respected” head coach, Durant may stay in Phoenix, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Recent Developments in Phoenix:
- The Suns recently parted ways with Mike Budenholzer, making it their fourth coaching change in as many seasons.
- The search for a new head coach is pretty wide open, with names like Johnnie Bryant, Royal Ivey, Ben Sullivan, and Chris Quinn in the mix.
- None of those candidates have actually been NBA head coaches before, which is interesting, maybe even a little risky.
- Previous experienced coaches in Phoenix, like Budenholzer and Frank Vogel, didn’t last more than a season each.
Durant’s almost 37 now, so at this point in his career, team stability and a real shot at winning matter more than ever. The Suns just finished 36-46, missing the playoffs—a pretty rare dip for Durant, who’s used to suiting up for contenders unless injuries get in the way.
Potential Factors Affecting Durant’s Future
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Coaching Stability | The team’s habit of changing coaches so often messes with any sense of long-term direction. |
| Leadership Experience | The new coach’s reputation and league-wide respect could sway whether stars like Durant really buy in. |
| On-Court Competitiveness | Durant almost certainly wants to be on a roster that’s built to chase a championship, not just hang around .500. |
| Organizational Vision | How the franchise pitches its future plans might end up being a deal-breaker for him. |
Everyone’s watching the Suns’ coaching search—not just Durant, but other teams and league insiders. The outcome could have a direct impact on whether he sticks around or asks out.
Key Points to Note:
- Phoenix isn’t just trying to win over fans—they’ve got to impress their own stars and any talent they hope to attract.
- Durant’s at a crossroads, choosing between staying put or taking a shot somewhere else.
- The next few weeks? They’ll probably tell us a lot about where the Suns are going and who’s going with them.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
