Kevin Durant

'I wanted to see where we can go with that because we were both playing at a high level,' the 34-year-old forward said on The ETCs with Kevin Durant podcast ...

What [Irving] was doing behind the scenes, what his contract negotiations was, I don't want to even think about none of that stuff. 'I wanted to see where we can go with that because we were both playing at a high level. 'I can't fault somebody for doing that even though it might have been at our expense as a team...I don't wanna act like I wasn't upset that we didn't finish the season, because I love playing with [Irving].' [Durant was dealt to the Suns](/sport/nba/article-11730457/The-Phoenix-Suns-trading-Kevin-Durant-blockbuster-Brooklyn-Nets.html), along with T.J. [off-court controversies](/sport/nba/article-11728007/Kyrie-Irvings-controversies-NBAs-polarizing-star.html) proved to be too much to handle for all three All-Stars, as [Irving was the first of the trio to leave Brooklyn for the Dallas Mavericks](/sport/nba/article-11715949/Kyrie-Irving-traded-Dallas-Mavericks-joins-forces-Luka-Doncic-Brooklyn-Nets.html) in a three-team trade after asking the Nets front office to be dealt with. [The 34-year-old moved to Phoenix in January](/sport/nba/article-11730457/The-Phoenix-Suns-trading-Kevin-Durant-blockbuster-Brooklyn-Nets.html), days after [Irving's trade to Dallas](/sport/nba/article-11715949/Kyrie-Irving-traded-Dallas-Mavericks-joins-forces-Luka-Doncic-Brooklyn-Nets.html)

Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant said on "The ETCs" podcast that he doesn't fault Kyrie Irving for wanting out of Brooklyn.

According to multiple reports, Irving asked for a trade after both sides were unable to come to terms on a contract extension. On Feb.5, two days after Irving’s trade demand rocked the NBA world, multiple reports said that Irving and Markieff Morris were traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and draft picks. Durant gave his opinion on the Irving trade request on a new episode of “The ETCs” podcast that published on Tuesday.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving haven't spoken since the pair were traded from the Brooklyn Nets.

I don’t wanna act like I wasn’t upset that we didn’t finish the season, because I love playing with [Irving]. I wanted to see where we can go with that because we were both playing at a high level. “We all move and do the things that we wanna do for our careers,” Durant said during the show.

Along with the 23 points, Durant tallied six rebounds and two assists, and he blocked two shots in 27 minutes of play. Durant's star teammates shined as well, ...

He hit fade-aways. He hit mid-range. He hit 3s. It was hard to tell he hadn’t played since early January. - It marked Durant’s first game with the Suns after he was traded from Brooklyn on Feb. He got to where he needed to go.

Making his long-awaited Suns debut Wednesday night in Charlotte, Kevin Durant, playing on a minutes restriction, showed flashes of the dynamic playmaking ...

"This jersey on me will look normal as games go on, as we start to keep building who we are as a team, and I'm looking forward to it." "As far as Kevin is concerned, just as efficient as he's always been. And it's just pretty cool to be able to give the guy the ball and he could get to his spot and get a really good shot. The Hornets, missing star But it was when they were separated where the Suns' game plan with them came into focus. "This is one of those moments that doesn't really feel real," Booker said. Four years later, a new partnership was unveiled in the same arena, this one with hope for a better outcome. He ended the game having shot 10-of-15. [Kelly Oubre Jr.](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3133603/kelly-oubre-jr) led Charlotte with 26 points but was just 9-of-24 shooting as the Suns held the Hornets to 36% shooting. [LaMelo Ball](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4432816/lamelo-ball) after he [suffered a broken ankle earlier this week](/nba/story/_/id/35763689/hornets-lamelo-ball-season-right-ankle-surgery), drew 13 more free throws. [Phoenix Suns](/nba/team/_/name/phx/phoenix-suns) on Wednesday night, Durant showed early signs of the potential for the devastating 1-2 punch he can form with [Devin Booker](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3136193/devin-booker) in a [105-91 win](/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401469088) to snap the [Charlotte Hornets](/nba/team/_/name/cha/charlotte-hornets)' five-game win streak. [Kevin Durant](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3202/kevin-durant) solidified his decision to partner with [Kyrie Irving](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6442/kyrie-irving) when both became free agents the following summer.

He'll take the floor against the now-depleted Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday in Charlotte, marking his first game in well over a month.

The Phoenix Suns' starting lineup with Kevin Durant was announced pregame on Wednesday, revealing the team's fifth starter.

Both Okogie and Torrey Craig had a case for the spot and had been starting in place of the previously injured Durant, and in place of the traded Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson. On top of that, Craig’s 6-foot-7 frame gives the Suns a legitimately big starting lineup that should now do well on the glass. Ross, though, will miss Wednesday’s game because of right toe soreness. The minimum signing this offseason came to Phoenix after four years with the Minnesota Timberwolves, unable to carve out a consistent role. The spot was one of the biggest discussion points to come out of the blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets on Feb. The 6-foot-4 wing who was a very poor shooter in Minnesota has been on fire with triples since the turn of the new year, bumping his season percentage all the way up to 34.5%.

Kevin Durant scored 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting in his Suns debut, helping Phoenix snap the Charlotte Hornets' five-game winning streak with a ...

The 15-year seemed to find his groove from there, knocking down three more mid-range jumpers to push the lead to 12 and finished with nine points in the fourth quarter. [underwent season-ending surgery](https://apnews.com/article/lamelo-ball-hornets-ankle-surgery-3751fc5d5f677e787528d0e01c16cb3d) on Wednesday to repair a fracture in his right ankle. We just want you to be yourself and hoop,’ and I think that’s where he’s the most free to be himself.” “I think there’s too many players in the NBA that get too much pressure to lead,” Williams said. And the 34-year-old star fit in rather seamlessly with his new club, also grabbing six rebounds and blocking two shots in 27 minutes. He also provided a boost on defense, blocking Hornets rookie center Mark Williams twice in the opening five minutes.

It marked Durant's first game with the Suns after he was traded from Brooklyn on Feb. 9. · Along with the 23 points, Durant tallied six rebounds and two assists, ...

He hit fade-aways. He hit mid-range. He hit 3s. It was hard to tell he hadn’t played since early January. - It marked Durant’s first game with the Suns after he was traded from Brooklyn on Feb. He got to where he needed to go.

Making his long-awaited Suns debut Wednesday night in Charlotte, Kevin Durant, playing on a minutes restriction, showed flashes of the dynamic playmaking ...

"This jersey on me will look normal as games go on, as we start to keep building who we are as a team, and I'm looking forward to it." "As far as Kevin is concerned, just as efficient as he's always been. And it's just pretty cool to be able to give the guy the ball and he could get to his spot and get a really good shot. The Hornets, missing star But it was when they were separated where the Suns' game plan with them came into focus. "This is one of those moments that doesn't really feel real," Booker said. Four years later, a new partnership was unveiled in the same arena, this one with hope for a better outcome. He ended the game having shot 10-of-15. [Kelly Oubre Jr.](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3133603/kelly-oubre-jr) led Charlotte with 26 points but was just 9-of-24 shooting as the Suns held the Hornets to 36% shooting. [LaMelo Ball](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4432816/lamelo-ball) after he [suffered a broken ankle earlier this week](/nba/story/_/id/35763689/hornets-lamelo-ball-season-right-ankle-surgery), drew 13 more free throws. [Phoenix Suns](/nba/team/_/name/phx/phoenix-suns) on Wednesday night, Durant showed early signs of the potential for the devastating 1-2 punch he can form with [Devin Booker](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3136193/devin-booker) in a [105-91 win](/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401469088) to snap the [Charlotte Hornets](/nba/team/_/name/cha/charlotte-hornets)' five-game win streak. [Kevin Durant](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3202/kevin-durant) solidified his decision to partner with [Kyrie Irving](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6442/kyrie-irving) when both became free agents the following summer.

Kevin Durant returned from a 20-game absence for his Phoenix Suns debut on Wednesday and he looked like himself against the Charlotte Hornets.

He started alongside Ayton, Booker, Josh Okogie and Chris Paul. He missed six additional games with the Suns, making it 20 total for him since he suffered an MCL sprain in his right knee in early January. [March 2, 2023] The Suns were +13 when Durant was on the floor. Okogie, at least for Wednesday, got the nod. Durant made his debut a full three weeks after the Suns traded for the superstar on Feb.

Kevin Durant made his long-awaited Phoenix Suns debut on Wednesday night, scoring 23 points in a road win over the Charlotte Hornets.

“I know my versatility can help me a lot of different areas on both ends of the court,” Durant said. It certainly puts them in the conversation.” “So if you just give Booker the ball, you have to help. “They now have the number one thing that you have to have to win close games in the playoffs – they have two guys who can draw help without the aid of the pick-and-roll,” Clifford said. If you give Kevin the ball, nobody can guard him one-on-one. Durant followed with a block on Hornets rookie center Mark Williams and then knocked down a three-pointer from the left wing as the Suns bolted to a 9-0 lead. “From that standpoint you can use your imagination, just from a scoring standpoint. “He’s more than a generational talent, he’s a historic talent,” Williams said. You feel it in the gym. But the game is the constant thing.” “You feel it at the (team) hotel when people are lined up outside. “I put that on me.”

Kevin Durant's blockbuster move to Phoenix shook up the NBA and he made a splash in his Suns debut, showing exactly why they are billed as one of the ...

In today's NBA, championship windows can close in an instant and after the Suns came oh so close in the 2021 NBA Finals, their window of opportunity looked to getting be smaller and smaller, but with Durant's arrival, that has been slammed wide open. Whenever one of the league's true superstars comes to town, there's a different energy in the building and Wednesday night, all eyes were on Durant. Within the first few minutes of his Suns debut, he seamlessly showed exactly why the Suns will be feared on both sides of the ball, coming up with a block on one end and a triple on the other. "It's pretty cool to be able to give a guy the ball and he can get to his spot and get a really good shot, " 8 after he suffered a sprained MCL which kept him sidelined for 19 games. It didn't take long for Durant to show exactly why the Suns have quickly become one of the favorites for the NBA championship, putting up 23 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks on a ruthlessly efficient 10-of-15 from the field and 2-of-4 from the 3-point line in just 26 minutes.

On Wednesday evening, the Phoenix Suns are in North Carolina to face off with the Charlotte Hornets. For the game, they will have 13-time NBA All-Star Kevin ...

The Phoenix Suns officially christened the Kevin Durant era with a victory, picking up a 105-91 win over the Charlotte Hornets in his on-court debut with ...

Based on his usage Wednesday, Phoenix is managing Durant's workload a bit as he shakes off any lingering effects from the MCL injury. In general, it was about as good as the Suns could've hoped to see in Durant's first game. The Suns have the Chicago Bulls on Friday night in their next game.

He'll take the floor against the now-depleted Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday in Charlotte, marking his first game in well over a month.

Kevin Durant shows no signs of rust in his 1st game with Phoenix, meshing quickly with his new teammates.

Durant continues to put in the work to ensure that happens. But as far as just having fun and getting lost in the game, I’m looking forward to that again.” 7 from that injury, but the staff held him out of the Suns’ next game (Feb. I think it’s gonna come down to the details that we have to learn. “So, why would I not pick his brain and try to figure out a couple of things that I may not be the best at? Williams said he constantly picks Durant’s brain at practices about “situations” that transpire on the floor. There’s success from the recent past, bundled with a new governor in Mat Isbia before you even get to the addition of a generational superstar in Durant. You feel it in the gym. We saw the Suns tinker with it on Wednesday, as Durant played chunks of minutes with several reserves. “You feel it,” Williams said of the mounting pressure. You could feel the confidence throughout the team. Playing in his first NBA game in 52 days, Durant showed few signs of rust and fatigue, while flashing a glimpse of the danger opponents can expect this postseason.

Kevin Durant made his debut for the Suns in a victory against the Hornets. Elsewhere, Jayson Tatum led the Celtics to a compelling victory over the ...

Kevin Durant recorded 23 points (10-15 FG) and six rebounds in 27 minutes played for the Suns as they defeated the Hornets, 105-91. Devin Booker led all scorers ...

Making his long-awaited Suns debut Wednesday night in Charlotte, Kevin Durant, playing on a minutes restriction, showed flashes of the dynamic playmaking ...

[Kelly Oubre Jr.](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3133603/kelly-oubre-jr) led Charlotte with 26 points but was just 9-of-24 shooting as the Suns held the Hornets to 36.4% from the field. "So I feel like there's pressure to be who I am every day." "I thought the team fed off of him just being himself tonight." The Hornets, missing star He ended the game having shot 10-of-15. "I mean, it's just every time he shoots the ball, it's just so effortless. You can see defenders trying their hardest to contest or fight over a screen, and he just looks unbothered, unfazed." Four years later, a new partnership was unveiled in the same arena, this one with hope for a better outcome. Everybody out there was trying to make me as comfortable as possible," Durant said. [Deandre Ayton](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4278129/deandre-ayton), was in double figures with 16 points. [Phoenix Suns](/nba/team/_/name/phx/phoenix-suns) on Wednesday night, Durant showed early signs of the potentially devastating one-two punch he can form with [Devin Booker](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3136193/devin-booker) in a [105-91 win](/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401469088) to snap the [Charlotte Hornets](/nba/team/_/name/cha/charlotte-hornets)' five-game win streak. [Kevin Durant](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3202/kevin-durant) solidified his decision to partner with [Kyrie Irving](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6442/kyrie-irving) when both became free agents the following summer.

Kevin Durant made his return after nearly 2 months break in his debut for the Phoenix Suns. In a 105-91 win against the Charlotte Hornets, Durant finished ...

"I thought the team fed off of him just being himself tonight." "So I feel like there's pressure to be who I am every day." You can see defenders trying their hardest to contest or fight over a screen, and he just looks unbothered, unfazed." "I just got to keep grinding, man, and this jersey on me will look normal as games go on." "I mean, every time he shoots the ball, it's so effortless. "New environment, new situation, new teammates, I mean, I always feel I got to prove myself to my teammates and my coaches every single day no matter what I've done in the league," Durant said.

New Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant was described by head coach Monty Williams as a 'historic talent' after he scored 23 points on his debut for the ...

However, the Suns want to ensure Durant simply enjoys his basketball while it will be up to other to lead the team. Durant and the Suns face the Chicago Bulls in their next clash on Friday night. However, he said his knee has been free from pain for a few weeks so Durant has been attempting to envision how he can fit into the Suns’ system with minimal disruption while also having the biggest positive impact. Star guard Devin Booker seemed to excel alongside Durant, scoring 37 points while adding seven assists and six rebounds in the win over the Hornets. The 34-year-old played 27 minutes in the win, which was his first taste of action since he suffered an MCL injury on January 8 that ultimately kept Durant off the court for weeks. The 13-time All-Star added six rebounds and a pair of blocks on a banner night for the franchise.

With Devin Booker also cooking and Deandre Ayton putting up an efficient 16 points of his own, KD never had to go into takeover mode. His offense came within ...

The Phoenix Mercury shared a video of Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant and Brittney Griner recently embracing at the Suns and Mercury practice facility.

[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Her just being back and trying to get back in shape and just loving the game she loves to do. “Just watching her and seeing the reactions on her face. [Deandre Ayton recently said of Griner](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2023/02/24/her-mind-is-free-deandre-ayton-happy-to-see-brittney-griner-back/69939831007/). [Deandre Ayton happy seeing Brittney Griner back in gym](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2023/02/24/her-mind-is-free-deandre-ayton-happy-to-see-brittney-griner-back/69939831007/) [NBA Twitter reacts to Kevin Durant's Phoenix Suns debut](https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2023/03/02/kevin-durant-phoenix-suns-debut-reaction-nba-twitter/69962660007/)

NBA stars in awe over KD's new jersey, Bryce Young's combine appearance gets people talking and Juju Smith-Schuster continue feud with A.J. Brown.

Say goodbye to the all-bench lineups, Suns fans. As long as Book and KD tell their plan to Monty Williams, that is.

The more we see of those four the rest of the season, the better the Suns offense will run. There’s a reason the Suns are only 17th in the league on offense this year after being 9th in 2021 and 3rd in 2022. Each of Book’s stints occurred late first quarter and late third quarter, but stopped short of making it to the final buzzer of the quarter. If Durant kicks off the beginning of the second and fourth, that’s the bridge the bench units need. Both Durant and Booker average 36 minutes a night, so they can each take a 4-6 minute nightly shift with four benchies to keep the Suns afloat. [Phoenix Suns](https://www.brightsideofthesun.com) won their first game with Kevin Durant in the lineup on Wednesday night.