It has been nearly two decades since Kevin Durant graced the floor of the Frank Erwin Center in Austin as the star player of the Texas men's basketball team. Now, the Longhorn legend is a lock for a spot in the NBA Hall of Fame after his lengthy tenure in the league.
However, despite winning two NBA Championships and being named the MVP of both series, Durant isn't happy with his place in the league right now.
For the last two seasons, Durant has been on the Phoenix Suns, alongside fellow stars Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Recently, the former Longhorn has shown his dissatisfaction with his team and its performance this year.
Durant's former teammate Matt Barnes, who was with him on the Golden State Warriors, shared how unhappy Durant looks on the Suns:
“KD seems like he's f— miserable. His body language is off, and he's been getting into little beefs," Barnes said. "That owner trying to throw him in the trade because Bradley Beal clogged up the pipeline. I think it f— KD’s mental up."
Durant still has one year remaining on his current contract with the Suns, but with how seemingly miserable he is in Phoenix, where could he go?
Kevin Durant back to Golden State
A return to the Warriors has been almost entirely shut down, but when Durant was with Golden State, it was magical. Durant and the Warriors combined for consecutive titles (2017, 2018) when he was the NBA Finals MVP, and the former Longhorn was an All-Star every season he was on the team.
Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are far from a perfect team, but they could provide an equitable trade for the Suns. If Durant were sent to Houston, he would not only get his return to the great state of Texas, but Phoenix could also pick up some much-needed talent, such as Jabari Smith Jr. or Fred VanVleet, as well as a Draft pick.
Durant would have the opportunity to add experience to the Rockets' roster while playing alongside young talents like Jalen Green and Amen Thompson.
Kevin Durant to the Miami Heat
The Miami Heat has a dynamic duo in guard Tyler Herro and center Bam Adebayo, but Durant could create a holy trinity in South Beach. The two lead the Heat in almost every stat, but could use the help on defense that Durant would quickly provide.
Durant's size and scoring prowess could perfect the Miami starting lineup and the Suns could negotiate for a veteran player like Kevin Love as well as high Draft picks.
Kevin Durant 2024-25 stats
- 26.8 points per game
- 6.1 rebounds per game
- 4.4 assists per game
As of now, Durant is on a scoring hot streak as the Suns head toward their 73rd game of the season. With just 10 games remaining in the regular season, Durant and Phoenix are currently 10th in the Western Conference.