According to NBA reporters Shams Charania and Doug Haller of The Athletic, Kevin Durant never felt comfortable with his role in the Phoenix Suns‘ offense alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal this season.
The Suns got swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2024 playoffs after going 49-33 during the regular season.
“Meanwhile, Durant, among the best scorers in NBA history, was not always happy with how he was used,” Charania and Haller wrote. “Sources briefed on the matter told The Athletic that Durant never felt comfortable with his role in Phoenix’s offense alongside Booker and Beal this season. Those sources said Durant had persistent issues with the offense, feeling that he was being relegated to the corner far too often and not having the proper designs to play to his strengths as the offense was built around pick-and-rolls.
“At the same time, some teammates and people close to the organization believed Durant needed to voice his concerns more adamantly and directly with Frank Vogel and his coaching staff.”
Durant averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists during the regular season while shooting 52.3% from the field, 41.3% from beyond the arc and 85.6% from the free-throw line. The NBA legend was seventh in the league in points and fifth in points per game.
One of the greatest players in NBA history, Durant will make $49.9 million next season and $53.3 million in 2025-26. He requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets last season and wanted to get traded to the Suns, who lost to the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 2023 playoffs in six games.
Phoenix could fire Frank Vogel as head coach. The Suns were supposed to compete for this year’s championship with Durant, Booker and Beal leading the way. Instead, they were swept in the first round.
Since leaving the Golden State Warriors, Durant has won only two playoff series. He’s been swept twice in the first round of the playoffs.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
