The largest error made by the Phoenix Suns at the 2025 NBA trade deadline

MLB Rumors: The largest error made by the Phoenix Suns at the 2025 NBA trade deadline

At the 2025 NBA trade deadline, the Phoenix Suns completed an expensive move involving Kevin Durant just before the All-Star break. The latter made it clear that he wanted to remain in Phoenix, but management had a different idea. In order to get Jimmy Butler, the Suns considered making a three-team trade that would have sent Durant to the Golden State Warriors.

The franchise took a bold decision. A valid agreement to move Durant from the Suns to the Warriors was in place. He learned about the trade and declined it. Numerous speculations were spread throughout the NBA as a result. The trade deadline caused a lot of damage, from Durant denying the Suns a "toxic locker room" to probably not resigning.

There's a crucial element after the Suns exchanged their 2031 first-round pick for three more from the Utah Jazz.

All of the Utah picks they got are the least desirable. This implies that Phoenix will be selected by the team with the best record among the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Jazz. In addition, the Suns' forfeited pick was not protected at all. Nevertheless, the team sought to trade for Jimmy Butler with these draft picks.

Bradley Beal had to be traded in order to do it. But he was adamant about sticking with the squad and had a no-trade clause. The franchise sought to recover some of its lost assets as a result. even if it meant negotiating a deal behind Durant's back.

He has been one of the league's and the team's most reliable players all season long. If he stays healthy, he should make an All-NBA squad this season after being selected to his 15th All-Star Game. In addition, his 16th-season scoring average of 27.3 points per game is beyond astounding.

It looks horrible that the Suns are considering trading for Kevin Durant.

About two years prior to the 2023 trade deadline, the team made a trade for the superstar. It was among the NBA's most significant midseason moves ever. The franchise has not been as successful as it had planned since the trade. After all, even without Durant, the Suns advanced to the NBA Finals in 2021.

With the assistance of head coach Monty Williams and Chris Paul, Devin Booker led them to victory. The Suns traded for Bradley Beal when Williams was dismissed after that season, which moved Paul to the Washington Wizards and subsequently the Warriors. Beal, Booker, and Durant had formed the new Big 3.

In the end, the three of them only played a few games together, and they never really clicked. The 2024 NBA Playoffs' opening round revealed this lack of chemistry. The Suns lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves despite being the sixth seed. After firing head coach Frank Vogel, they hired Mike Budenholzer, who was born in Holbrook, Arizona.

As head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, the latter defeated the Suns in the 2021 NBA Finals. Three seasons later, he finds himself back where he started. The offensive mastermind hasn't been able to produce much success for the squad, though. They enter the break with a current record of 26–28.

The NBA Trade Deadline could ruin the Suns' future
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The chance to build around Booker and Durant might come to a close. Despite Durant continually saying that he loves it in Phoenix, actions speak louder than words. He is a professional and will play out the rest of the season. However, he is set to be a free agent at the end of the season.

After Durant didn't sign an extension with the Suns at the beginning of the season, it might've been a blessing in disguise. With the front office going behind his back for a trade, it could prompt him to want out. Even his former teammate Matt Barnes explained that the team did him dirty.

Durant might leave The Valley if the season ends suddenly. The Suns Big 3 might be one of the most significant "what ifs" in recent memory if it occurs.

Overall, a lot of problems would have been avoided if they had maintained open lines of communication with Kevin Durant. But a breakdown in communication might be the first step toward Phoenix's demise.