The Phoenix Suns are clinging to a faint hope that even after all they have been through this season, they will still qualify for one of the Western Conference’s final play-in tournament spots.
They currently hold a 35-43 record and are in 11th place in the West. They trail the Dallas Mavericks, who are in the 10th spot, by 2.5 games.
They will face the red-hot Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, and unfortunately for them, Kevin Durant will not play. Durant has reportedly been ruled out of that contest due to a sprained ankle that forced him to miss each of their last three games.
Kevin Durant is out for the Suns tomorrow vs Warriors https://t.co/3VFRsYCY0g
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 8, 2025
Even at age 36, Durant remains a legitimate superstar. He’s averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists a game while shooting 52.7% from the field and 43% from 3-point range this season, and he earned his 15th trip to the NBA All-Star Game.
When the Suns acquired him in a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets two years ago, they were expected to become instant championship contenders. Instead, they have won just one playoff series with him to date.
Many expect Durant to be traded this summer, and that would essentially mean that the trade that sent him to Phoenix was a failure for his current team.