The NBA commerce deadline drama surrounding the Phoenix Suns reached a boiling level, with tensions rising amid swirling rumors.
After buying and selling Jusuf Nurkic to the Charlotte Hornets, the highlight stays on their star trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, although maybe not for the explanations followers had hoped.
A latest report paints a troubling image of the staff’s inner dynamics.
“The word I would use … I’ll use toxic. That shootaround yesterday I heard was very awkward, very weird in Oklahoma City because everybody was on pins and needles wondering what they were gonna do,” Ramona Shelburne of ESPN mentioned, by way of NBACentral.
Phoenix’s locker room is ‘toxic’ proper now, per @ramonashelburne
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )pic.twitter.com/38K9jL8WVe
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 6, 2025
The unease is sensible given the latest commerce talks.
Beal’s struggles made him a frequent topic of commerce discussions, regardless of his no-trade clause defending him from undesirable strikes.
Much more stunning was Durant almost heading to the Golden State Warriors earlier than that deal fell by way of.
The Suns’ latest streak of eight wins in 10 video games supplied a glimmer of hope, however actuality quickly set in as these victories got here principally in opposition to weaker competitors.
That realization appeared to have pushed the Suns towards extra aggressive commerce exploration.
Behind closed doorways, up to now 10 days the Suns reportedly engaged in critical discussions with the Warriors and different groups, significantly centered on contingency plans if shifting Beal proved inconceivable.
Although there was hesitation to half with Durant, given the substantial bundle they surrendered to amass him, his excessive market worth may have pressured their hand if an interesting supply emerged.
Now, within the aftermath, the Suns are strolling a tightrope between sustaining staff chemistry and pursuing obligatory modifications down the street.
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