GLENDALE – Ahead of Tuesday’s matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets, 16-time All-Star Kevin Durant broke his silence about his return against his former team. Tonight’s game will be the fourth time these two franchises face off this season, but this will be the first time Durant will play in Phoenix since being traded to Houston this offseason.
The 37-year-old has spoke candidly pregame about how his view on the trade has evolved since it first transpired. After an initial shock, Durant is “pretty much over it.”
Jan 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) celebrates with fans after defeating the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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Durant on his return to Phoenix:
The Rockets are on the verge of their 50th win of the season, but will need to beat a Suns team striving for the sixth seed in the Western Conference. If tension wasn’t high enough for Durant’s return, the playoff implications will have fans inside Mortgage Matchup Center riled up even more than usual.
Feb 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) look on against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
When traded for back in 2023, the former MVP was seen as the franchise’s last push to reclaim its contender spot. After losing the 2021 Finals and getting bounced in the 2nd round following a 64-win season, Phoenix was desperate to rediscover spark. Durant came into a organization on the descent out of contention that was desperate to stay.
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Some questionable moves, like the Bradley Beal trade, was the final nail in the coffin to the Durant and Devin Booker pairing in the Valley ending with only one Playoff series win. Durant was quickly chosen as the scapegoat and promptly traded this past offseason.
Dec 5, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) drives witht the ball as Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Some small jabs were thrown on social media between Suns fans and Durant, but the future Hall of Famer has made it clear that he enjoyed his time in Phoenix alongside his good friend Booker. Tuesday’s return will surely be met with boos, but Durant looks to be over the drama.
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Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports