Kevin Durant Says Suns “Hurt” Him After Trade Request – Basketball Insiders
Durant Opens With Phoenix Walk
Kevin Durant made headlines this week for his comments on how his time with the Phoenix Suns ended. In a recent interview, Durant said he felt “tortured” by the organization and its fans, and said he didn’t want anything when the Suns started talking to him about leaving.
Durant said the situation did not start with him pushing for the transfer. “They didn’t want to build themselves around me,” he explained, according to the interview. “I didn’t want to be sold.” Those words offer rare clarity from a star who usually keeps her inner thoughts private.
Context of Separation
Durant signed with the Suns through 2023 in a blockbuster free-agency move. Phoenix was hoping to build a champion around him with Devin Booker and other key pieces. Hopes rose, but the team failed to secure a title, and internal problems seemed to emerge during the playoff run.
Finally, the Suns traded Durant to the Houston Rockets before the 2025 season. While trades are common in the modern NBA, Durant’s comments suggest that moving wasn’t his first choice.
Instead of leaving of his own free will, he said the Suns made the decision for him. Durant’s use of the word “scapegoated” implies that he felt blamed for an outcome that was completely out of his control.
KEVIN DURANT FOR HIS TEAM HE WAS HUMAN!!! 😤🔥 pic.twitter.com/cRSrjsXg4O
– Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 6, 2026
How Durant Installed It
Durant didn’t hold a grudge against his teammates or specific coaches. Instead, he focused on criticizing the organization’s decisions and reporting. He said the situation was one of criticizing each other rather than building success.
“I didn’t want to be the guy,” said Durant thinking about how fans and the media portrayed his departure. He added that the narrative of his time in Phoenix changed over the seasons, as he continued to put up solid numbers and contribute on both ends of the floor.
Reactions from fans and critics
Social media and experts had different opinions. Others expressed sympathy for Durant’s view, noting that the movement is often oversimplified in public debates. Some argued that championship expectations were justified given the talent on Phoenix’s roster.
While Durant’s comments won’t change history, they add depth to what is 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 served as a leader and star scorer. He continued to produce at a high level, using his superior scoring and shot creation to elevate Houston’s offense. His presence has helped the Rockets stay competitive in the tough Western Conference.
Durant’s reflection on Phoenix shows how personal and complex NBA careers can be. Celebrities make headlines to score points and win, but behind-the-scenes stories often matter more. Whether fans agree with Durant’s opinion or not, his comments add another chapter to one of the players’ most fascinating journeys.
