Rockets’ Kevin Durant ‘wants to retire in Phoenix’ – Basketball Insider
Kevin Durant, now a member of the Houston Rockets, envisioned retiring as a player during his time with the Phoenix Suns.
In an exclusive interview sports illustrated, Durant elaborated on why things didn’t go the way he wanted. He also dives into Houston’s future and why this destination is a good fit for him.
“I want to retire in Phoenix,” Durant said. “When I stepped in there, I had really good intentions. The picture you have in your head doesn’t always come true.”
The Suns acquired Durant in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson and four unprotected first-round picks. This severely reduces the depth and flexibility of the roster, and the Bradley Beal trade will only make it worse.
Houston traded Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Kaman Maruac as the biggest pieces in a seven-team deal to score Durant.
Durant Russ Suns roster construction
While Durant defended the trade that acquired him, saying he more than made up for any assets given up, he criticized the team’s lack of size.
“From a basketball standpoint, I feel like our best lineup is me in the five with four guards under 6-foot-5,” Durant said. “That’s a terrible way to play basketball at a high level, especially when teams are consciously trying to expand.
“I think we can talk all we want about the mental side of the game, but I think the physical side of the game is why we haven’t been successful as a team.”
The truth is, there’s no way Phoenix can create enough depth by sacrificing what they’ve gained. Both Durant and Bill. The Suns traded Chris Paul, Landry Shamet and four first-round picks for Beal.
As far as the Rockets are concerned, both their draft pick cabinet and young player cabinet are full. For a player like Durant, sacrificing Green and Brooks is a no-brainer. Other teams don’t want to make the same mistake Phoenix made.
“I think other teams value developing young players and draft picks,” Durant said. “I’m a veteran, 1760758177 He is 37 years old and worth a lot. Not many people in the league were willing to make a move like that to change the team and add me to the mix. “
