In a league where player movement is the norm, it came as a surprise to many when superstar forward Kevin Durant remained with the Phoenix Suns at the 2025 NBA Trade Deadline. As perennial All-Stars Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler, and Luka Doncic found new homes, the basketball world was buzzing with speculation about where “KD” would end up. However, in a blockbuster trade proposal, the Suns decided to keep their superstar and make a move that could solidify their position as title contenders.
Leading up to the deadline, Durant’s name was linked to several teams, with the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets being the frontrunners. Many believed that Durant’s desire to win another championship would lead him to join forces with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in LA or reunite with his former teammate Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn.
But as the deadline approached, it became clear that the Suns were not willing to part ways with their star player. And why would they? The 7-foot forward has been the cornerstone of the Suns’ success since he arrived in Phoenix in 2022. His combination of size, skill, and leadership has elevated the team to new heights, and the Suns were not willing to let that go.
However, that doesn’t mean that the Suns were content with their current roster. In a bold move, the Suns engaged in a three-team, 11-player trade that saw Durant’s former teammate and All-Star point guard, Russell Westbrook, join the Suns. The trade also involved the New Orleans Pelicans, who received young forward Deandre Ayton from the Suns and veteran guard Jrue Holiday from the Milwaukee Bucks.
For the Suns, this trade was a win-win situation. They were able to keep their superstar in Durant while also acquiring another All-Star in Westbrook. The duo had tremendous success together in Oklahoma City, reaching the NBA Finals in 2012, and the Suns are hoping to recreate that magic in Phoenix.
Westbrook’s arrival also addresses the Suns’ need for a playmaker and a secondary scoring option behind Durant. With his explosive athleticism and ability to create for himself and others, Westbrook is a perfect fit alongside Durant and the Suns’ young core of Devin Booker and Mikal Bridges.
On the other hand, the Pelicans and the Bucks also benefited from this trade. The Pelicans were able to acquire a young, talented big man in Ayton, who will pair up with Zion Williamson to form a formidable frontcourt. They also added a veteran guard in Holiday, who brings leadership and playoff experience to a young team.
Meanwhile, the Bucks were able to move on from Westbrook’s hefty contract and acquire a versatile forward in Bridges, who can provide much-needed depth and defense to their roster. They also received draft picks from the Pelicans, which could prove valuable in the future.
Overall, this trade has the potential to shake up the balance of power in the league. The Suns now have a star-studded lineup that can compete with the likes of the Lakers and the Nets for the championship. The Pelicans have a promising young core to build around, and the Bucks have added depth and flexibility to their roster.
As for Durant, he remains in Phoenix, a place where he has thrived and become a beloved figure in just a few short years. With the support of his teammates, the Suns organization, and the fans, Durant has all the tools he needs to lead the Suns to their first-ever NBA championship.
In conclusion, while many expected Kevin Durant to find a new home at the 2025 NBA Trade Deadline, the Suns’ decision to keep him and make a bold move for Westbrook has the potential to pay off in a big way. The Suns are all-in on their quest for a championship, and with Durant leading the charge, the future looks bright in the desert.
