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James Jones addresses Kevin Durant, Rockets trade rumors

Following the conclusion of the first round of the NBA Draft Wednesday, Phoenix Suns general manager and president of basketball operations James Jones held a media availability in which he addressed the recent Kevin Durant trade rumors.

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ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday that the Houston Rockets wanted to trade for Durant by offering the Suns back their draft capital. This was immediately after Houston traded multiple picks with the Brooklyn Nets and now owns a pick swap with Suns in 2025, the Suns’ pick in 2027 and could end up with the Suns’ pick in 2029 based on contingencies. The Nets had originally acquired this draft capital when they traded Durant to the Suns in Feb. 2023.

After this was tweeted, different reports came flying in from everywhere. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that there were “definite connections” between the Rockets and Durant and that Houston made this trade “to make a deal with the Suns now.” ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said Phoenix wanted “out of Kevin Durant right now.”

Yet, multiple reports had already refuted that Durant will be traded this summer. Jones said way back on May 17 that the Suns won’t be trading any of the team’s Big 3 of Durant, Devin Booker or Bradley Beal this offseason.

All of these reports prompted a response by Suns owner Mat Ishbia on social media, in which he said “Phoenix loves Kevin Durant and Kevin Durant loves Phoenix.”

Durant’s agent and business partner Rich Kleiman has also been active on social media discussing these reports.

So what do fans need to know about all of these reports? Jones explained:

“It’s the topic of discussion. It’s the stuff that gets clicks and everyone wants to talk about,” Jones said. “I think I said it specifically back on (May 17) when I was asked, ‘Are we trading Kevin Durant?’ I said no then. I’ll say no now. I will continue to get asked the question, but that’s the NBA.

“That’s what makes the NBA, the draft and everything around it, the offseason, that’s what makes it interesting for the fan. So I get it and understand it. I don’t take it personal, you just keep moving. (We’re) committed to building this team and winning a championship.”

Jones was later asked what his relationship is like with Durant.

“With KD, it’s all love. It’s all good,” Jones said. “Having a chance to work with one of the all-time greatest players and the success that we’ll have going forward is what you live for, is what you embrace and what you want.

“I’m really excited about the team that we’re building. Upstairs, downstairs and everywhere in between. Just looking forward to the season.”

The Suns added Virginia forward Ryan Dunn in the first round of the draft yesterday after trading down with the Denver Nuggets. You can read what Jones said about this selection and the first round overall by clicking here.

James Jones pleased with Suns’ first-round draft moves

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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau

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