The Suns’ trade season? Far from a blockbuster. First, they missed out on Jimmy Butler. Then, the Warriors refused to take back Kevin Durant. To make matters worse, Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause tightened their already strained budget. But wait—there’s a (sort of) silver lining. Jusuf Nurkic’s move wasn’t half bad. Still, there’s an undercurrent of tension with KD. And let’s be real—an offseason shake-up isn’t off the table.

Brian Windhorst gave an insight into the Suns’ failed attempts in the trade and its aftermath. And well, let’s just say it isn’t particularly great. Therefore, speaking on The Hoop Collective, ESPN’s senior insider said:

“This is very tough last week for the Phoenix Suns. The Beal trade thing, I don’t think it really ever got off the ground, but that fails.” So, as you know, Bradley Beal (other than LeBron James) holds the no-trade clause, which helps him put a veto on any trade talks associated with him. Now, Mat Ishbia had an enticing $121 million contract prepared for Jimmy Butler, which could’ve been possible only if Beal waived his clause. Did it happen? No. Total disaster. Complete failure.

Meanwhile, “They try to trade Durant, but that fails,” Windy noted. “…pisses Durant off. I think is headed for a breakup in the summer. Of course, I don’t know.” One of his co-hosts chips in, “I would wager on that for sure.” Well, it looks like Kevin Durant was eager for a trade, maybe not to the Dubs, but elsewhere. Perhaps to the Miami Heat? Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne recently said the 36-year-old veteran was “open” to a trade to the Heat. Miami considered pivoting to a different move before Thursday’s trade deadline.

What does this mean for the Phoenix Suns? The future with KD seems shaky. Kevin Durant is locked in with the Suns until 2025-26. Yet, whispers of doubt are growing. Brian Windhorst hinted at a “level of concern” around his future. That concern? It sparked trade talks before the deadline. Now, questions linger. Is Durant’s time in Phoenix ticking away?

Now, coming to the other trades that the Suns undertook since 2023, it seems like they made a major mistake trading Toumani Camara away to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Kevin Durant & Co.’s $7.6 Million error comes to light following Jusuf Nurkic’s trade to the Hornets

In 2023, the Phoenix Suns saw potential in Toumani Camara, selecting him in the NBA Draft. A $7.6 million rookie deal sealed his future—at least, that’s what it seemed. But then, everything changed. The Suns’ focus shifted to Yusuf Nurkic, the seasoned Bosnian center. Without hesitation, they struck a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers. Camara was out, and Nurkic was in. And just like that, the first misstep was made.

Within a year and a half, something changed, and Nurkic got sidelined and then completely out of rotation. Mike Budenholzer had something in his mind, but what? Nonetheless, with a few days in hand before Feb 6., the Suns traded off their center to the Charlotte Hornets and got their hands Grayson Allen from the Bucks. Brian Windhorst said, Jusuf Nurkic’s trade, “was a smart money move because it saved him over $100 million, but also just backs up that that trade was a disaster.” Why was it a disaster for Kevin Durant and Co.?

“They had to get rid of Jusuf Nurkic with the first-round pick. They did get Grayson Allen in that trade, who’s been okay. He’s a nice role player,” Windy explained. Meanwhile, Bontemps chipped in talking about Camara. He said: “But Camara is turning into one of the most impressive young defensive players in the West. He’s the kind of guy that every good team wants. He’s a primary defender who, you know, he’s got a ways to go offensively, but developing on that end. But he’s a really good, versatile defensive player.”

Simply put, the Suns missed out on having a star like Toumani Camara who is currently doing great in Portland. With a 44.8 FG% and outstanding defensive prowess, the 24-year-old is proving the points of mistake Phoenix made. Meanwhile, clouds of doubt loom at large over Kevin Durant’s future with the team. Will he stay or will he leave? What do you think?