Kevin Durant reportedly did not communicate with former Phoenix Suns head coach Frank Vogel for a month last season.
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Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant appears to have gotten his wish last week, when head coach Frank Vogel was fired after only one season.
Vogel was fired following an embarrassing first-round sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA playoffs. It also coincided with some reported drama in the desert.
On Monday’s broadcast of “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith shared some facts from within the Suns organization. It does not paint KD in the best possible light.
“Kevin Durant in Phoenix is a concern. This is a problem. We don’t notice it because the statistics are present. “He and (Devin) Booker averaged 27 points per game,” Smith said on Monday. “They claim Kevin Durant is never happy. They allege he went more than a month without speaking to the head coach.”
The absence of communication between a head coach and his top player will be a problem. That is not even a question.
Durant has completed his first full season with the Suns after leaving the Brooklyn Nets midway through the 2022-23 season. This occurred after a dramatic conclusion to his three-year tenure with the Golden State Warriors. There might definitely be a theme here.
Will Kevin Durant force a trade from the Phoenix Suns?
A lack of communication between a head coach and his best player will be an issue. That’s not even a question.
Durant has finished his first full season with the Suns, having left the Brooklyn Nets midway through the 2022-23 season. This came following a tumultuous end to his three-year stint with the Golden State Warriors. There might be a theme here.
With that said, star players have forced deals on a near-constant basis over the last few seasons. Durant would be no different.
Kevin Durant numbers (2023-24): 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 52% shooting
Durant was also reportedly dissatisfied with the Suns’ direction throughout the regular season.
As enigmatic as any elite player in the NBA, it would not be surprising if KD requested a trade this summer. It is unclear whether hiring Budenholzer to replace Vogel will influence the dynamics.
