It has been several months now since the Phoenix Suns were swept by Anthony Edwards’ Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs and Kevin Durant trade rumors started from there. Just recently, the franchise addressed these rumors by unveiling their real plan for the upcoming season.
The 2023-24 campaign was a tumultuous one for the Suns. After purchasing the team in February 2023, the new ownership group led by Mat and Justin Ishbia made several major moves. They fired head coach Monty Williams and hired Frank Vogel, a championship-winning coach, to replace him. The Suns then engineered a blockbuster trade, sending Chris Paul to the Wizards in exchange for three-time All-Star Bradley Beal. This came just months after acquiring superstar Kevin Durant the previous season.
![Phoenix Suns' Real Plan Amid Kevin Durant Trade Rumors 1 Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_23125369_168400517_lowres-1.jpg)
However, the Suns struggled early on, dealing with injuries and poor fourth quarter play that saw them start the season just 4-6. They eventually found their footing, securing a fourth straight winning season and the 6th seed in the West. But their playoff run was short-lived, as they were swept in the first round by the Timberwolves. This marked the first time the Suns had been swept in a playoff series since 1999.
Vogel’s tenure was brief, as he was fired after just one season following the disappointing playoff exit. The Suns entered the offseason facing questions about their championship aspirations and the direction of the franchise under its new ownership.
Phoenix Suns Reveal Plan for 2024 NBA Season Amid Kevin Durant Trade Rumors
![Phoenix Suns' Real Plan Amid Kevin Durant Trade Rumors 2 Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_23124600_168400517_lowres.jpg)
During the past few weeks, rumors were rampant about Durant being traded to another team. In an article posted on Real GM, Adrian Wojnarowski detailed what Phoenix’s real plan is for next season.
“The Phoenix Suns do not currently plan on entertaining a trade of either Kevin Durant or Devin Booker this offseason and want to see how their core could come together after replacing Frank Vogel with Mike Budenholzer. The future of Durant with the Suns has been questioned after the Houston Rockets acquired multiple future first round picks from the Nets that originate with Phoenix.
“What the Suns want to try to do now is give this team a chance under Mike Budenholzer,” said Adrian Wojnarowski on Wednesday afternoon. “See who they are next year, but we know how this league works. If something’s not working, players sometimes dictate it. The team dictates it, especially with a group with the age of this team. They’re probably not going to get many more cracks to keep this group together as is.
Mat Ishbia also addressed the Durant rumors on Twitter.
NBA Draft night is the best,” wrote Ishbia. “Everyone talking about the drama and storylines, some are right and some are just wrong. My turn. Phoenix loves Kevin Durant and Kevin Durant loves Phoenix, and we are competing for a championship this year because we have the team to do it. Gotta love draft night! Go Suns,” the article stated.
Budenholzer and Ishiba’s take on the coming season makes sense since this if the former’s first campaign with the team. If all else fails, the front office will still have until early next year to trade either Durant or Booker to make the Suns competitive.
![Phoenix Suns' Real Plan Amid Kevin Durant Trade Rumors 3 Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_23140788_168400517_lowres.jpg)
It remains to be seen how Phoenix will perform under Budenholzer later this year. What’s certain, though, is that the odds are stacked against them in a Western Conference that’s getting more competitive next season.
![Phoenix Suns' Real Plan Amid Kevin Durant Trade Rumors 4 Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_23075010-2-scaled.jpg)
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