Windhorst: Kevin Durant Will Be Traded by Suns in NBA Free Agency 'And He Knows That'

Kevin Durant's days as a member of the Phoenix Suns are numbered, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

Windhorst reported Wednesday on NBA Today that the Suns will trade Durant in the offseason "and he knows that." The NBA insider added that "everybody's intentions are crystal clear."

Windhorst was basically echoing his earlier reporting on Durant's future with the Suns after he remained in Phoenix through the trade deadline.

Appearing on the Draymond Green Show, Durant said he wants to end his career "on my terms" when asked if he wants to stay in Phoenix ahead of his eventual retirement.

Durant also explained why he didn't have a desire to move to the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline, citing the "big change" he would've had to make for a handful of games midway through the season:

The 15-time All-Star will be in the last year of his contract in 2025-26. The Suns' 27-31 record raises obvious questions about how they'll continue to fare with him on the roster next season, along with whether it's worth re-signing him.

In addition, Phoenix is pretty much left with only two clear trade assets if it wants to strengthen its supporting cast now or get some draft picks to help facilitate a roster reset. Either Durant or Devin Booker has to go. It's as simple as that.

Booker would likely net a stronger return, but he's eight years younger than KD and under contract through 2027-28. The fact he has spent his entire career with the Suns is another factor because the fanbase would have a far different reaction to his departure than Durant's.

It will be tough for the Suns to recoup everything it gave up to acquire the 6'11" forward in 2023, but president of basketball operations James Jones can count on getting something back in the offseason.

Being stuck in what amounts to a loveless marriage isn't ideal for Durant or Phoenix, but having everybody on the same page as to his tenure should at least help to some degree.