Kevin Durant has long been rumored to be leaving the Phoenix Suns. He declined to move in February because it was midway through the season.
However, reports have emerged that Durant could stay in Phoenix while head coach Mike Budenholzer will be on the chopping block.
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker Could Force Mike Budenholzer Out of the Suns
Devin Booker was drafted by the Suns in 2015, and he is Phoenix material through and through. However, according to an insider, Booker and Durant could join forces to eliminate Budenholzer from the franchise.
“The Phoenix Suns could fire head coach Mike Budenholzer in the offseason to appease stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, an NBA source told Hoops Wire,” read the report.
“Neither Durant nor Booker have a good relationship with Budenholzer, who is in his first season with the Suns,” Hoops Wire added.
This report is in line with previous reports of Durant and Budenholzer not seeing eye-to-eye on several matters. It was up for everyone to witness during the Suns’ game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
The Suns lost 107-96 in California, but an altercation between the 15-time NBA All-Star and his head coach caught the attention of the media.
Pundits and fans alike have been predicting perfect landing spots for Durant, but according to the latest reports, they should now plan for Budenholzer’s next move.
Suns’ Owner Reveals the Future of Durant
Durant was almost traded to the Golden State Warriors in February but declined the move due to timing. The expectations are that Phoenix will entertain offers to take Durant away off their hands.
However, in an interview with ESPN, Suns owner Mat Ishbia said that everything is on the table for him once the season ends. “I’ll just say that we’re going to evaluate in the offseason,” the billionaire said to ESPN regarding Durant’s future.
“We’re going to find a way to win, and it’s probably a lot easier winning with Kevin Durant than without him. But at the same time, yes, if we’re not good enough in this iteration of the Phoenix Suns, we’re going to find a way to be better next year.”
With a record of 31-37, the Suns are 11th in the Western Conference and are pushing to acquire a play-in spot. They will enjoy home-court advantage as they face off against the Toronto Raptors on Monday, March 17.