Suns Reportedly Admit Mistake in Kevin Durant Trade Talks, Tried 'Luka' Approach

The Phoenix Suns reportedly admitted they took the wrong approach with regard to trade talks involving superstar forward Kevin Durant during the 2024-25 season.

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Suns attempted to have trade talks in an under-the-radar fashion, much like the Dallas Mavericks did with Luka Dončić before he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. However, rumors regarding Durant's availability leaked once third teams had to be brought into the conversations as potential facilitators.

Windhorst noted that the Suns privately "admit they made a mistake," and they plan to do things differently this offseason by bringing in KD's agent, Rich Kleiman, to talk with high-ranking members of the organization about Durant's future this week.

With the Suns hovering around the .500 mark or below for much of the season, rumors and speculation heated up around the time of the trade deadline that Durant could possibly be available.

Discussions escalated to the point that ESPN's Shams Charania and Ohm Youngmisuk reported that the Golden State Warriors made a strong play for KD before being informed that he did not have interest in a reunion with the Dubs.

The Suns held onto Durant past the deadline and wound up missing the postseason entirely, finishing 11th in the Western Conference with a disappointing 36-46 record.

Given the huge step back the Suns took this season, it stands to reason that owner Mat Ishbia and general manager James Jones may want to be active this offseason in terms of moving veterans and reshuffling around Devin Booker.

Since Durant is 36 years old, it would likely behoove the Suns to trade him now while he is still healthy and productive. The 15-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA Finals MVP is coming off another great individual season that saw him average 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.6 three-pointers made and 1.2 blocks per game.

Per Windhorst, the Suns wanted teams to "pay a premium" for Durant leading up to the deadline, as they asked for packages that included "current or former All-Stars, young players and/or first-round picks."

Durant is only signed for one more season, and Windhorst noted that if the Suns are going to get the trade compensation they desire in a deal involving KD, the team that acquires him will likely need some assurance that he is willing to sign a contract extension with them.

While Durant would still have value as a one-year rental, teams would likely be reluctant to give up too much without the knowledge that he will be around for multiple seasons.

If the Suns work closely with Durant and his agent to find a landing spot that is attractive to him, one can only assume that he will be more willing to make a longer-term commitment to that team.

The Suns are aging, coming off a miserable season and don't control any of their first-round picks until 2032. They desperately need to add some future assets and give themselves a chance to retool their roster in a timely manner.

Aside from the much more unlikely scenario of trading Booker, a KD trade would bring them the biggest return.