If there’s one team in the NBA that just can’t seem to get it together, it’s the Phoenix Suns. Reports of turmoil keep piling up, and the latest isn’t pretty. John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports had revealed that head coach Mike Budenholzer has been a nightmare behind the scenes, describing him as “miserable to deal with.”. Even Devin Booker has had some issues with coach Budenholzer as per reports, but the star shut them down saying “It’s a classic player-coach dynamic”. Well, Kevin Durant had his moment too.

Things got a little tense between Durant and Suns head coach Budenholzer, and TNT cameras caught every second of it, as the Suns took on the Clippers. During a first-quarter timeout against the Clippers at PHX Arena, Budenholzer appeared to say something as Durant walked past him toward the bench. Coach Bud reached out, placing a hand on Durant’s arm as if to defuse the moment, but KD quickly yanked his arm back. Budenholzer responded with a slight bow, shaking his head in resignation. Durant, at first, kept walking—then suddenly spun around and fired back at his coach, his words clearly animated.

The moment didn’t end there. On the replay, Durant turned back and said something to Budenholzer, though what exactly was exchanged wasn’t clear. But the TNT broadcasters assured there was nothing to worry about.

Stephanie Ready explained, “There was some miscommunication in an offensive set. The communication on this team has really been a common thread. How much do they need from the players versus the coaches? How much they need to be successful on the court?”

She added that the situation quickly smoothed over. “Guys, the good news is a little head tap as they left the timeout. They sorted things out, saying, you know, how it is. You’ve been around this game long enough. That’s gonna happen.”

Another announcer chimed in, emphasizing that these types of exchanges are normal in a competitive environment. He noted that after coaching over a thousand games, he couldn’t recall a single one where he didn’t have a confrontation with a player. He stressed that both the 15x All-Star and Budenholzer display strong will, and that moments like this inevitably occur.

With that, the broadcast moved on, making it clear there’s no lingering issue between the ‘Slim Reaper’ and his coach. With the on-court tension between KF and Mike Budenholzer brushed aside, the off-court drama is only heating up.

Kevin Durant’s departure from Phoenix imminent?

The Phoenix Suns are “contemplating a future apart” from Durant, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who reported Tuesday that “conditions in Phoenix have only deteriorated” since the team explored trading him at the deadline.

Financially, the Suns are in a tough spot. ESPN’s Bobby Marks says they’re set to be the first NBA team ever to cross the $400 million mark in payroll and luxury taxes while sitting outside the playoff picture. With Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause and Booker deemed “untouchable,” Windhorst believes Phoenix will have to choose between running it back or reshuffling the roster by trading Durant.

Before the trade deadline, the Suns nearly sent Durant back to the Warriors, but he shut it down. When asked about the rumors, he played it cool.

“Anybody can be up for auction, so I understand that. It’s just about getting back on the court and trying to go out and play the game that I love.”

Durant later told Draymond Green he wanted to “see this through” in Phoenix, but reports suggest otherwise. Windhorst and Shams Charania both say a trade this summer is likely unless the Suns make a deep playoff run. With Phoenix struggling at 28-33, the countdown to Durant’s next move has already begun.