Phoenix Suns General Manager James Jones recently addressed the trade rumors surrounding star forward Kevin Durant, acknowledging the challenges the team has faced amid a midseason slump. The Suns began the season with an impressive 8-1 record but have since struggled, leading to speculation about potential trades involving key players like Durant.
Jones expressed understanding of Durant’s frustration, stating, “I would be frustrated too if we weren’t winning and a lot of the blame, a lot of the noise was around me.” He emphasized Durant’s professionalism and leadership, noting, “He’s a pro. He’s the best at it… He knows where we stand. He’s pivotal for us. He’s one of our leaders. He’s our All-Star, and we need him to continue to be who he is and who he’s always been, and he’ll help us turn it around.”
Despite the trade discussions, Durant remains with the Suns, and Jones declined to comment on specific trade talks, adhering to his policy of keeping internal matters confidential. He remarked, “It’s been my longstanding policy not to talk about rumors, speculation. What we do internally, we keep internally.”
The Suns’ recent performance has been a topic of concern, with reports indicating a “toxic” atmosphere in the locker room following the trade deadline. However, players like Grayson Allen have refuted these claims, stating that the locker room is “not toxic at all.”
As the Suns aim to improve their performance and address internal dynamics, the leadership of James Jones and the professionalism of Kevin Durant will be crucial in navigating the remainder of the season.
