Is it time for Kevin Durant to retire? In a chat with ESPN after winning his 2nd straight championship in 2018, KD claimed that he would like to retire when he turned 35. But he never confirmed it. Now 35, KD is still going strong. He was named an All-Star starter and also selected to the All-NBA 2nd team last season. However, his Phoenix Suns getting swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves raised many speculations about his future in Phoenix. Former NBA player Rasheed Wallace, who always claimed KD to be one of the strongest players, believes that it is time for the Slim Reaper to hang up his jersey.

On being asked what he sees KD doing next, “Definitely, retirement for sure pops in his head. He getting older with it though. He’s now one of the league’s elder statesmen, you know what I’m saying. So it’s like, ‘S**t after a while if Phoenix don’t bring in nothing, no other help, like they already brought motherf***** in there. So if they don’t bring nobody else in there to help him get over that hump, ‘Alright it’s time for me to hang it up,’” Wallace said on the latest segment of Sheed and Tyler.

However, the co-hosts present on the show have a different opinion on this. Bonzi Wells believes that Durant should transition to a supporting role rather than retirement, allowing younger players, such as Devin Booker to take more responsibility. “I think KD got to understand it’s time to maybe go to be the second or third option and get these young boys out here to do that young boy stuff,” Wells said. 

Drawing a parallel to Carmelo Anthony’s experience, who struggled with the transition earlier, Wells stated that ultimately Melo’s decision to finally adapt helped him contribute to the team. But it didn’t come without its issues. Nevertheless, while speaking to Logan Murdock last year, Durant had noted that he would like to play as long as he can. 

While that aligns with Durant’s principles and plans, the issue is another shocking revelation by ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith.

Stephen A. Smith claimed that Phoenix Suns wish to trade Kevin Durant

The Suns’ exit from the playoffs was quite disappointing. And with that, many speculated Durant to leave the organization. But to fans’ surprise, Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ishbia reemphasized Durant’s contribution and value to the team. He further alluded that there are no plans to move Durant out of the team. Moreover, the franchise isn’t interested in breaking off the power trio of Durant, Booker, and Bradley Beal. 

However, the twist lies in Smith’s latest claim that the Suns wish to trade Durant, regardless of their current opinions and statements. “I’m reporting here, pay no attention to what Phoenix is saying. They want out of Kevin Durant right now,” Smith said on First Take. 

Speaking of the Houston Rockets, who are also in the conversation about the trade, Smith stated that the team isn’t particularly keen on taking Durant. There’s indeed a lot of drama until one of the parties involved shares an update.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.