Suns Retain Durant After Deadline Drama

Phoenix superstar Kevin Durant stays put despite trade speculation

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Despite widespread rumors that Kevin Durant could be traded away from the Phoenix Suns before the 2025 trade deadline, the superstar forward ultimately remained with the team. Suns general manager James Jones said the Rockets were interested in acquiring Durant, but their efforts to make a deal fell through at the last minute.

Why it matters

Durant's potential departure would have been a major blow to the Suns, who are hoping to contend for an NBA championship with the veteran star leading the way. His continued presence in Phoenix is a relief for the team and its fans, as they look to build on their recent success.

The details

According to Jones, the Rockets were aggressively pursuing a trade for Durant in the days leading up to the deadline, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. Jones said the Rockets were telling him "'No, no, no,' (from Houston) until the day of the trade deadline last year, when (Rockets general manager Rafael Stone) called me at 4 in the morning" to discuss a potential deal.

  • The 2025 NBA trade deadline was in February 2026.

The players

Kevin Durant

A superstar forward who plays for the Phoenix Suns.

James Jones

The general manager of the Phoenix Suns.

Rafael Stone

The general manager of the Houston Rockets.

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What they’re saying

“It was 'No, no, no,' (from Houston) until the day of the trade deadline last year, when (Rockets general manager Rafael Stone) called me at 4 in the morning,”

— James Jones, Suns General Manager (Yahoo Daily News)

The takeaway

Kevin Durant's continued presence in Phoenix is a major win for the Suns, as they look to build on their recent success and contend for an NBA championship with the veteran superstar leading the way.