Kevin Durant’s time with the Phoenix Suns will always be a “what if” story. The all-time great arrived with championship expectations, balled out alongside Devin Booker, and delivered memorable moments. But the franchise’s second-apron restrictions limited their ability to build a true contender around the duo. In the end, the trade sending Durant to the Houston Rockets worked out well for Phoenix—and the path not taken looks even better in hindsight.
The Forgotten Sliding Doors Moment: Durant, Butler, and the Warriors
One detail that’s faded from memory: At last year’s trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors emerged as a serious suitor to bring Durant back to the Bay. Phoenix was reportedly open to discussions because it would have freed them to pursue Jimmy Butler, who was unhappy in Miami and seeking his final big payday.
Suns owner Mat Ishbia was ready to pay Butler (now 36) whatever he wanted. A Durant-to-Golden State deal could have landed Phoenix Butler, likely Jonathan Kuminga (long a Suns target), Moses Moody, and perhaps additional assets to chase a point guard.
But Durant had zero interest in returning to Golden State. That decision looks genius now.
- Houston Reality: Durant is thriving on a legitimate contender, averaging elite numbers on historic efficiency. The Rockets are title threats.
- Golden State Reality: The Warriors are middling (17-16), and Butler has been solid but not transformative (around 19 PPG on a big contract).
Had Durant agreed, Phoenix might have ended up with a declining Butler alongside Booker—potentially accelerating a reset rather than building sustainably. No Dillon Brooks, no Jalen Green—two young, high-energy pieces who fit Booker’s timeline and style perfectly.
Kuminga would slot nicely with the current Suns core, but the roster would look drastically different (and likely older) if Butler had arrived.
The Suns Dodged a Bullet
Phoenix fans can breathe easy: The Durant era ended on a positive note (good return in the trade), and avoiding the Butler path preserved youth and flexibility. Brooks and Green bring grit, scoring, and growth potential alongside Booker. There’s real upside for a core that can contend for years.
Durant’s Suns chapter was complicated—star power without the full supporting cast. But the way it ended? Probably the best outcome for The Valley.
Suns Nation: Grateful for the memories, happier with the present. The future looks bright without the “what if” regrets.