Kevin Durant finds a friend in Damian Lillard amid Sun's star 'reputation' mocked over trade rumors
Former MVP Kevin Durant has been one of the names popping up most frequently in NBA trade talks this offseason. Following another disappointing playoff run for the Phoenix Suns, there has been speculation that Durant could part ways with the team in search of greener pastures. That has fueled jokes from fans, though, thaat Damian Lillard is sticking up for Durant.
Since parting ways with the OKC Thunder, Durant hasn't spent more than three seasons with any one team. He spent three years with the Golden State Warriors before parting ways with the team partially due to a spat with Draymond Green.
He then spent two and a half seasons with the Brooklyn Nets before landing with the Phoenix Suns at the end of the 2022-23 season. Now, after just one full season in Phoenix, Durant could be on his way out.
Fans were quick to crack jokes about the situation, trolling Kevin Durant for switching teams rather than trying to build with one team. After one fan cracked a joke about Durant's reputation on social media, Damian Lillard was quick to inject himself into the exchange, defending Durant.
While reposting a screenshot of KD's response to the fan in question, Lillard included his own thoughts, writing:
"We live in a sports world where fans/media talk down to/about some of the greatest... constantly smh."
Given that the post was made on Lillard's Instagram story, it cannot be embedded, but you can see a screenshot of the post below:
Looking at latest trade rumors surrounding Kevin Durant amid Damian Lillard's post supporting the former MVP
While Kevin Durant still has two years left on his contract, including the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season, there has been quite a bit of talk regarding a move this offseason. According to Stephen A. Smith, the Suns are eager to part ways with Durant.
Given that Bradley Beal has a no-trade clause and is owed a whopping $50.2 million next season, the team has a limited number of options available. Should they part ways with Durant, several teams are reportedly interested in acquiring the two-time champ.
A report from Scoop B, Brandon Robinson revealed that Dallas is eager to acquire Durant. The move would be a massive one for the franchise following their NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics, but it would come at a price.
At the same time, reports have also indicated that the Houston Rockets could trade the Suns back the picks they used to acquire Kevin Durant from Brooklyn. At the same time, there have also been talks of Durant returning to Oklahoma City or joining the Chicago Bulls, both of which seem less likely.
While nothing has been finalized yet, and Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that the Suns want to retain Durant, the situation is expected to be quite unpredictable.