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[Saba Sports News] Firing head coach Frank Vogel might not have been enough to appease Kevin Durant in Phoenix. On Monday’s “First Take,” ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said Durant’s situation with the Suns is a “problem.” Smith claimed Durant went “more than a month” without speaking to Vogel and suggested Durant “lives in his own world” instead of building a bond with his teammates.
These comments align with earlier reports of Durant being unhappy with his role in Vogel’s offense. Vogel was eventually fired after one season, and Mike Budenholzer has replaced him.
Durant being dissatisfied with his team is a recurring theme. He has previously left or forced his way off three teams (Oklahoma City, Golden State, and Brooklyn). The most notable instance was in Brooklyn, where he demanded a trade and issued an ultimatum to fire both the head coach and GM.
Durant is under contract with the Suns through 2026, earning about $51.1 million per year. However, his role may not change much with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal as the primary ball-handlers. If not Durant, another member of the Big Three might be traded instead.