Durant opens up about Phoenix’s departure
Kevin Durant made headlines this week with candid comments about how his time with the Phoenix Suns ended. In a recent interview, Durant said he felt “scapegoated” by the organization and its fan base, and that he didn’t want a trade when the Suns first approached him about their departure.
Durant said the situation didn’t start when he pushed to be moved. “They didn’t want to build around me,” he explained, according to the interview. “I didn’t want to be traded.” These words offer rare clarity from a superstar who tends to keep his internal thoughts private.
Context of the split
Durant signed with the Suns in 2023 in a blockbuster free-agency move. Phoenix hoped to build a championship contender around itself in addition to Devin Booker and other key figures. Expectations were high, but the team failed to win a title and internal problems seemed to surface during the play-offs.
Ultimately, the Suns traded Durant to the Houston Rockets before the 2025 season. While trades are common in the modern NBA, Durant’s comments suggest this move was not his first choice.
Instead of leaving on his own terms, he said the Suns made the decision for him. Durant’s use of the word “scapegoat” implies that he felt guilty for outcomes over which he did not have complete control.
KEVIN DURANT FOR THE WIN AGAINST HIS FORMER TEAM!!! 😤🔥 pic.twitter.com/cRSrjsXg4O
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 6, 2026
How Durant framed it
Durant did not lash out at specific teammates or coaches. Instead, he focused his criticism on organizational decisions and narratives. He said the situation was more about assigning blame than building success.
“I didn’t want to be the bad guy,” Durant said, reflecting on how fans and media portrayed his departure. He added that the stories surrounding his time in Phoenix changed over the seasons, even as he continued to put up strong numbers and contribute on both ends of the floor.
Reaction from fans and analysts
Social media and experts have received mixed reactions. Some expressed sympathy for Durant’s position, noting that organizational steps are often oversimplified in public conversations. Others argued that expectations for the championship were reasonable given the talent on Phoenix’s roster.
While Durant’s comments won’t change history, they do add depth to what was already one of the most talked about team moves in recent NBA memory.
Durant’s role with the Rockets
Now with the Rockets, Durant has been both a leader and leading scorer. He continued to produce at a high level and used his elite scoring and shot creation to take Houston’s offense to the next level. His presence has helped the Rockets stay competitive in a tough Western Conference.
Durant’s reflections on Phoenix show how personal and complex NBA careers can be. Superstars make headlines when it comes to points and wins, but the stories behind the scenes are often just as important. Whether fans agree with Durant’s perspective or not, his comments add a new chapter to one of the league’s most fascinating player journeys.
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