It’s only been hours since Jimmy Butler found his way to the Golden State Warriors. However, for the Phoenix Suns, it was a two-month battle that they lost. Butler was their primal target all along. But complications with Bradley Beal’s contract obstructed their pursuit of the disgruntled Heat star. Now, sitting set at .500, they only have hours left to make some moves. And as it seems their only option is to dangle Kevin Durant.
But who says teams won’t bite?
Before the Butler trade, the Warriors were among the suitors interested in reuniting with the Slim Reaper. But that was not in the interest of Durant who made it clear to the Suns ownership. Furthermore, despite their lackadaisical record, KD hasn’t formally asked for a trade. But the Suns aren’t left with much. Hence, teams are heavily monitoring the situation in Phoenix.
Shams Charania revealed “I think all eyes in the NBA are on the Phoenix Suns lot of it because of what has transpired over the last several days. But from what I’m told there are multiple teams making really aggressive calls to the Suns on Kevin Durant. Obviously we know what has happened… Several calls are continuing to pour in”.
Furthermore, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne also reported the Suns locker room has a “toxic” atmosphere leading up to the trade deadline. Recently, they traded away ostracized center Jusuf Nurkic, who hadn’t played for the Suns since January 7th. It’s merely an indication that Phoenix could be looking for a roster overhaul.
Phoenix’s locker room is ‘toxic’ right now, per @ramonashelburne
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )pic.twitter.com/38K9jL8WVe
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 6, 2025
And as the trade deadline has proven this season, no star is safe. Kevin Durant is the key that potentially unlocks the Suns’ chances at recovering this season. However, without the right shape of players around, the team could consider a tempting offer presented by some of the teams that are making the calls.
The post ESPN Source Claim Phoenix Suns Is Suffering in Toxicity as Jusuf Nurkic Trade Could Prove Worrying Suspicions Right appeared first on EssentiallySports.
