Kevin Durant Doesn't Get Suns Tribute in Return to Phoenix

The Suns are reportedly not planning a tribute video for the former player.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:26am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a basketball game, with players' forms broken down into overlapping planes of color and shape.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes matchup between the Suns and Rockets, as former Phoenix star Kevin Durant returns to face his old team.Phoenix Today

The Phoenix Suns are reportedly not planning a tribute video for Kevin Durant during his first game back in Phoenix since being traded to the Houston Rockets last summer. This comes as a surprise, as the Suns usually have a tribute video or quick thank you for most returning players, especially ones of Durant's caliber. Fans had mixed reactions when Durant was announced in the starting lineup, with some booing and some cheering for the 2.5 seasons he spent in Phoenix.

Why it matters

Durant's tenure with the Suns was marked by high expectations and ultimately disappointment, as the team failed to live up to championship aspirations after acquiring him in a blockbuster trade. The decision not to honor Durant with a tribute video suggests lingering tensions between the player and the organization following his departure.

The details

The Suns had championship aspirations when they acquired Durant from the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023, but the team's fortunes declined after that, with first-round playoff exits in 2024 and a missed postseason entirely in 2025. There was also drama during the 2024-25 season with trade rumors surrounding both Durant and Bradley Beal. Durant ended his tenure with the Suns averaging 26.8 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 52.7% from the field and 42.7% from 3 across 145 games.

  • The Suns and Rockets are playing tonight, April 8, 2026.
  • Durant was traded from the Suns to the Rockets last summer.

The players

Kevin Durant

A 13-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion who played for the Suns for 2.5 seasons before being traded to the Rockets last summer.

Devin Booker

The Suns' star guard who formed a new core with Durant and Bradley Beal after the team traded away Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton.

Bradley Beal

The All-Star guard the Suns acquired the same summer they traded for Durant, forming a new star-powered trio in Phoenix.

Jordan Ott

The Suns' head coach, who previously worked with Durant in Brooklyn and has instilled a new defensive-minded identity in Phoenix.

Jalen Green

The young guard the Suns received from the Rockets in the trade that sent Durant to Houston last summer.

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What they’re saying

“They've been playing great ball. I played for JO (Jordan Ott) before in Brooklyn and I kind of understand his mentality and his mindset for the game of basketball and him being in Cleveland and bringing that mentality here. You can see it.”

— Kevin Durant

What’s next

The Suns will look to avenge their previous loss to the Rockets and pick up their first win over Durant and his new team this season.

The takeaway

The decision by the Suns not to honor Durant with a tribute video highlights the lingering tensions between the player and the organization following his disappointing tenure in Phoenix. While Durant has moved on, the Suns' focus will be on continuing their strong season and proving they can succeed without the former star.