The emotional return of Kevin Durant to Phoenix has been postponed, leaving Devin Booker and basketball fans longing for what could have been as personal matters keep the Rockets star sidelined.
PHOENIX – November 24 was supposed to mark Kevin Durant’s highly anticipated return to Phoenix, where he once formed one of the most formidable offensive duos in the NBA with Devin Booker. But that perfect storyline was dashed when Durant was ruled out for personal reasons, leaving his former teammate unable to hide his disappointment.
“I hope everything is OK with his family first, but yeah, I would love a matchup with him,” Devin Booker told AZCentral’s Duane Rankin via platform X.
The two stars shared two and a half seasons together in Phoenix, beginning when Durant arrived via a blockbuster trade at the 2022-23 deadline. During that period, they developed rare chemistry and were projected to become the league’s most dominant one-two punch.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) look on against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Footprint Center.
However, the dream ended too soon. After two head coaching changes and overwhelming expectations, Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets – where he continues to demonstrate his elite superstar status.
The next showdown between the two teams will occur in December in Houston, but Durant won’t have another opportunity to return to Phoenix Suns’ home court until April. Given the unpredictable nature of the NBA season, nothing is guaranteed for that anticipated April reunion.
In the 2025-26 campaign, both Booker and Durant have been leading their teams to surprising success. While Houston’s strength was widely predicted, Phoenix’s performance has truly stunned basketball analysts.
The blend of young talents, experienced veterans, and Booker’s star power under Coach Jordan Ott has created a perfect formula. Meanwhile, Coach Ime Udoka has the Rockets firing on all cylinders with their physical brand of basketball, offensive efficiency, and well-balanced roster construction.
Though tonight’s matchup didn’t deliver the dream scenario everyone hoped for, it only makes the next encounter between these two superstars that much sweeter to anticipate.