NBA rumor: Durant s deal negotiations are deadlocked as the Suns focus on hiring new coach

According to the latest report by Stan Tie Jack Fischer, despite growing speculation about Kevin Durant's future with the Phoenix Suns, the team has not yet started any trade negotiations for the experienced striker. Durant, 36, is widely regarded as a potential trade candidate this summer after another disappointing season for the Suns. The Phoenix Suns missed both the playoffs and the playoff playoffs in the 2024-25 season, and the team's performance failed to meet expectations in a season with three maximum-paid superstars, Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.

Durant has one season left on his contract and is about to enter the final year of his four-year, $194.2 million contract. His $54.7 million contract expired in 2025-26 may be valuable for increasing salary space or as a trading asset, especially for teams looking to hit the championship in the near term.

However, according to Fischer, the Suns have not yet launched any form of bidding for Durant. New general manager Brian Gregory, who took office in the offseason, has been reportedly focused on the team's ongoing head coach search. At present, the head coach's search has entered the second phase, and other major personnel decisions — including any decisions involving Durant — will be put on hold.

Kevin Durant's trade negotiations are still deadlocked, and the Suns will focus on coach searches

In 62 games last season, Durant continued to maintain his top level, averaging 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game, shooting percentage as high as 52.7% and three-point shooting percentage as high as 43%. Despite Durant's outstanding performance, the Suns failed to make progress in the Western Conference and eventually missed the playoffs. More complicated, the Phoenix Suns do not have their own first-round pick for 2025, which limits the team's flexibility when rebuilding or adjusting the roster. The draft pick was obtained by the Houston Rockets when they traded Durant in 2023, which was originally traded to the Phoenix Suns.

Fischer's report also pointed out that the possibility of Durant returning to the Phoenix Suns was not ruled out. With the current deal negotiations not yet started and the team is still in the early stages of determining the offseason direction, Durant may still stay with the team in the final year of the contract.

Durant's trading market may also be affected by the overall situation of the league, especially the situation of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Several management teams are reportedly waiting for a bright future for Antetokounmpo before investing in a lot of resources in other deals, which may reduce the team's interest in short-term veterans such as Durant.

At the moment, the Phoenix Suns appear to prioritize finding a coach and internal evaluation process before making any major roster decisions. Until these factors are in place, speculation surrounding Durant’s trade is still speculation, and there is no sign that the Suns are actively seeking a deal.