Report: Suns ‘optimistic’ Kevin Durant could return soon

Dec 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer with forward Kevin Durant against the San Antonio Spurs during an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Suns are in the midst of a three-game losing streak and are 3-7 in their last 10 games, needing something to change their fortunes around now that they are 12-11.

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According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, however, there is hope that the Suns could get one of their superstars back from injury soon.

Missing the last three games and 10 of the last 14 for Phoenix, Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain) is nearing a return and could be as soon as the end of this week.

“There is optimism that MVP candidate Kevin Durant could return from an ankle sprain on Friday against the Utah Jazz or Sunday at home versus the Portland Trail Blazers, sources said. The Suns are 11-2 with Durant in the lineup this season – and 1-9 without the two-time Finals MVP,” Charania said in an article.

This is big news for the Suns who are 11-2 with Durant in the lineup and 1-9 when he is sidelined. Durant missed seven games from Nov. 10-20 with a left calf sprain, returned for four games and suffered a left ankle sprain in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs on Dec. 3.

When he has played, the two-time NBA champion has been the most important player on the Suns next to Bradley Beal and Devin Booker. Durant is averaging 25.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 13 games (all starts) this season.

Since Durant has recently been sidelined for a second time this year, Phoenix has also had to battle without Jusuf Nurkić (right thigh contusion) and Ryan Dunn (left ankle soreness). The Suns were leading at halftime over the New Orleans Pelicans, Miami Heat and Orlando Magic without two of their starters but ended up losing in all three games.

While the Emirates NBA Cup is set to wrap up this week, the Suns have four days off and could get Durant back before facing the Utah Jazz on Friday and the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. Phoenix was eliminated in group play.

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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Mercury, Suns and ASU Athletics for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini