According to multiple reports from ESPN, Kevin Durant did have an interest in playing for the Miami Heat. This would have set the Phoenix Suns up to acquire Jimmy Butler.

Durant made sure to make it known he didn’t want to go to the Golden State Warriors, as his “preference” was Miami.

The deal fell through because the Suns wanted a significant package in exchange for one of the greats. If it went through, then fans would have seen a new “Big 3” of Butler, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.

However, Miami didn’t want to mortgage their future for a player who is aging and has a relatively high contract. Plus, the 36-year-old is seeking another lucrative contract.

Miami has been pursuing Durant since the 2016 offseason.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant has shut down any possibility of him returning to the team with which he won two championships.

The Golden State Warriors have been “aggressively pursuing” Durant since last week. Phoenix was fielding offers from all teams but did “covet” Draymond Green and the other assets Golden State could offer.

However, the aging talent has informed everyone he has no desire to have a reunion. Despite him not having a no-trade clause, the Warriors do not want to have a disgruntled superstar on their roster.

“The Warriors have been seriously pursuing Kevin Durant over the last week, but sources tell me Durant has no desire in a reunion with the Warriors,” said Shams Charania on NBA Today on Wednesday. “He does not want to go back to the Warriors.”

Per Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, Durant has never requested a trade and hasn’t felt the need to leave the Suns.

Even with him remaining committed to the franchise, Phoenix is still trying to land Jimmy Butler. Reports are saying they are willing to give up Durant for Butler.

The Phoenix Suns have only won eight games in their 26 games, the “Big 3” has essentially crumbled for the time being, and now tension could be at an all-time high.

According to Richard Jefferson, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant don’t respect each other as they used to.

To take it further, both players have cut Bradley Beal out of the picture. Plus, Jefferson is implying this has become Durant’s team.

“At what time has K.D. been teaming up with his boys worked out the way he would like?” Jefferson asked. “Because before, he loved Devin Booker. There was a mutual respect. Now, they’re not getting along. Don’t really mess with Bradley Beal. Bradley Beal’s out. Now, they’re gonna bring in Jimmy Butler potentially because that’s what K.D. wants.”

It should be stated that it is unclear whether Jefferson has any insider knowledge or is taking a different perspective on this Phoenix team. Either way, there’s always a bit of truth in each observation.

Since Durant and Booker were paired together, Phoenix has yet to be able to escape the second round of the postseason. In 2023, they fell to the Denver Nuggets. In 2024, they were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Mat Ishbia’s team is currently 16-19 in the season and 12th in the West. They wouldn’t qualify for the Play-In Tournament if the season ended today.

Phoenix, who recently lost to the Charlotte Hornets (a team who snapped a ten-game losing streak), is 2-8 in their last ten games. Thursday night, they take on the Atlanta Hawks.

The Suns are currently interested in acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. However, it’s unknown whether Pat Riley wants to deal him for the current offers.