Kevin Durant has never been shy about defending himself, and in a series of pointed messages on social media, the 15-time All-Star directly confronted Phoenix Suns fans over criticism of his tenure with the franchise – while also taking aim at what he perceived to be a misguided notion of team “culture.”
Kevin‘s frustration came to a head after a Phoenix fan posted on X.com (formerly Twitter), expressing relief over Durant and Bradley Beal leaving the team as the user claimed they had “unsustainable for the culture.” The all-timer quickly fired back.
“What culture is that?” Durant replied. The fan then lashed back out by insisting the fact that the Houston Rockets‘ latest recruit replied underscores his point, but tried to end the exchange on a positive note. It was something he didn’t get.
“Cut the sh*t Erik,” Durant continued. “Most of y’all in Phx want me off the team cuz of the toxic experience it was online for you while u live tweeted games.
“KD stans got most of Phoenix pissed, it ain’t bout nothing but that lol.”
The exchange underscores the fractured relationship between Durant and a segment of the Suns fanbase, and one that mirrored the unstable dynamic inside the organization during his brief time in Phoenix.
Durant arrived in Phoenix in early 2023 with high expectations alongside Devin Booker and later Bradley Beal as the Suns constructed a roster meant to compete immediately for an NBA championship.
Instead, the team’s run was defined by inconsistency, lack of chemistry, and repeated postseason failure and fans quickly became disgruntled at the PHX Arena in Arizona.
Despite Durant averaging 26.6 points and six rebounds while playing over 36 minutes per game last season, the team failed to establish a lasting identity. Injuries, rotations, and off-court tensions contributed to a fractured campaign.
When Beal accepted a buyout and signed with the Clippers this summer, it marked the official collapse of the Suns’ superteam. Durant soon followed by heading to the Rockets.
In return, Phoenix bagged Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-rounders.
Durant snubbed Timberwolves
The Suns had held “in-depth discussions” with the Minnesota Timberwolves about a deal involving Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Terrence Shannon Jr., and a 2025 first-round pick.
But Durant reportedly rejected the idea of playing in Minnesota, showcasing the leverage he still held at this stage in his career as he proves he’s still good enough to compete at the sharp end of basketball.
The trade cleared the path for Beal‘s exit and ushered in another reset for Phoenix, now centered on Booker and Green. The tension surrounding Durant‘s time in Arizona, however, still lingers.
In Houston, Durant joins a rising team that finished second in the Western Conference with 52 wins, and the Rockets stated that the franchise prioritized acquiring the 36-year-old because of his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
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