Kevin Durant was brought to Phoenix to chase a title. But after a season marred by injuries, chemistry issues, and a humiliating playoff miss, the conversation has flipped. Now, it’s no longer about what Durant can win in the Valley—man averages 26.6 points any given night while shooting a scorching 52.7% from the field and 43% from three over 62 games. Moreover, he became just the ninth player in NBA history to cross 30,000 career points. And yet, none of it translated to wins. Right now, it’s about whether he even stays. And his comments don’t exactly inspire confidence, either.

“It’s a shitty game, man. We didn’t play up to our standards at all,” Durant said after a blowout loss to Minnesota. “We embarrassed the fans, we embarrassed ourselves the way we played. I want us to be better.” To make matters worse, Durant has now been ruled out for the Suns’ final two games of the season with an ankle injury. A fitting end to a season defined by frustration (yes, I did have a deadpan tone when I wrote this).

The Suns finished the season outside the playoffs—despite boasting the league’s highest payroll at over $210 million and the “Infinity Gauntlet” core of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. They lacked a true point guard. They ranked 27th in defensive rating. And as the season unraveled, so did belief.

And now? League sources say the New York Knicks are preparing a run.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy, the Knicks had serious interest in Durant ahead of the deadline—and that interest hasn’t cooled. New York believes KD is the final piece next to Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson, with Mikal Bridges (who was, ironically, once traded for Durant) potentially returning to Phoenix in the deal.

“If they bomb in the playoffs, Mikal Bridges is up for an extension, and if they decide that’s a direction they don’t want to go, I could see a movement for a player like Kevin Durant,” said Bondy.

So, what does this mean for the Durant and Phoenix?

Kevin Durant Might Be the First Domino

‘The Big Apple’ is stocked with assets: a mix of picks, rising players, and a growing sense of urgency. With the Celtics and Cavs surging in the East, New York is ready to swing big. And they aren’t waiting for next summer. The window is now. For Phoenix, though, this is more than just a player move. It’s a reckoning.

Despite Durant’s strong individual year, nothing about this season went according to plan. Phoenix finished with the league’s most expensive roster and no playoff appearance to show for it. And it’s not just Durant in the crosshairs.

Bradley Beal’s future is also uncertain. While trading him is complicated due to his no-trade clause, he’s reportedly open to a move this offseason. The Suns are desperate for flexibility, and Beal’s massive contract is a roadblock. Potential suitors have been floated—Lakers, Bucks, Nuggets—but none have made formal offers.

As for Devin Booker? He’s the lone untouchable, according to owner Mat Ishbia. But others believe a full reset may be the only way out. The Houston Rockets, loaded with picks and young talent, are reportedly intrigued.

The Suns also face a financial storm. With a payroll over $210M and a luxury tax bill topping $150M, Phoenix is staring at second-apron penalties with limited draft capital and depth. They don’t own a single premium pick until 2032. Their only realistic path forward? Salary dumps and player trades.

Kevin Durant still has a year left on his contract, but he turns 37 before next season. The Suns know the clock is ticking. They want youth, picks, and flexibility. Durant wants to win. The Knicks want to pounce. And naturally, a trade makes a little too much sense.

The Suns reportedly want three first-round picks and a young player in any Durant deal—fair, considering what they gave up. But they’d also want to come out cleaner on the books. Mikal Bridges’ team-friendly deal could help offset the financials. And from a narrative standpoint? The return of Bridges would be a full-circle moment.

If a deal happens, expect it early in the offseason—before free agency reshapes the board. Whether it’s New York, Houston, or another contender, Durant’s name is very much on the move list. So, is it the end of an era—or just another reset in the desert?

Stay tuned. This off-season won’t be quiet in Phoenix.