Part 5/8:
In stark contrast to the Lakers, the Phoenix Suns are taking a different approach. Shams Charania reported that the Suns decided to keep Kevin Durant after a whirlwind of trade discussions. Despite various attempts to acquire potential key players such as Jimmy Butler, the Suns did not succeed in making any trades that would significantly alter their current roster. The insistence on a "full evaluation" at the end of the season hints at potential future changes if the team underperforms.
Durant expressed surprise at being included in trade rumors, highlighting the tension in player-management relationships amidst such discussions. The focus now shifts to how the Suns will perform and whether they can meet their competitive expectations without significant roster changes.