Kevin Durant Reflects on Tough Phoenix Exit: ‘I’m Over It Now’
Kevin Durant told reporters he has moved on from his abrupt departure in Phoenix. He said the situation was difficult at the time. Now he calls it closed and focused on the present.
First trip back to Phoenix since the trade
Durant spoke after a Houston Rockets shootaround before facing the Suns in Phoenix. It was his first visit to Phoenix since the trade. He told Duane Rankin he did not feel he’d left a major mark there.
He added that he wanted to keep building with the Suns. But he called it the business of the league. He said he was “sour” early on, and time helped him move on.
Thoughts on the Suns’ roster and coaching
Durant praised Phoenix’s identity and coaching. He noted the team crashes the glass, shoots many threes and defends the paint. He said those habits feel automatic for the Suns.
He referenced Jordan Ott, saying he had played for Ott in Brooklyn. Durant credited Ott’s mentality and the staff for shaping the Suns’ style since Ott’s time in Cleveland.
Matchups and recent on-court moments
Durant also discussed recent games against the Warriors. He complimented Stephen Curry after Curry’s 29-point return. NBC and other outlets noted Durant praised Curry as “incredible.”
Durant said he enjoys duels with his former Warriors teammates. He acknowledged the history between him and that franchise. He added those matchups still bring out competitive performances.
Shoes, honors and milestones
On April 5, 2026, Nick DePaula reported Durant wearing the Nike KD 19 in the Bay Area. Curry warmed up that night in the KD 4 “Scoring Title” shoe.
The NBA listed Durant among late-season West nominees on April 6, 2026. Stat trackers and commentators highlighted milestones too. One note listed Durant among players with 16,000 points (50% shooting or better), 8,000 rebounds and 1,000 three-pointers.
Standings and game context
Heading into the Phoenix game, the Rockets sat as the West’s No. 5 seed. They were one game back of fourth and chasing a seventh straight win. The April 7, 2026 meeting was scheduled for 8 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock.
Filmogaz.com compiled the quotes and game notes from Rankin, NBC and social posts across early April 2026. Durant’s comments made clear he has processed the tough Phoenix exit and is focused on his current team and goals.
