A blockbuster trade that left the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-Rumors-Kevin-Durant-and-Kyrie-Irving-are-no-longer-friends-20230307-0012.html" target="_blank">Brooklyn Nets</a> too far away from a potential title made the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Kevin-Durant-explains-why-he-wanted-to-leave-the-Nets-20230303-0004.html" target="_blank">Phoenix Suns</a> top favorites again. Any team that has <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Kevin-Durant-Kyrie-Irving-defend-players-demanding-a-trade-20230218-0037.html" target="_blank">Kevin Durant</a> in the lineup has a chance to be the champion, although he hasn&rsquo;t been available recently. 
When the Suns made that move with the Nets, they knew their new player wasn&rsquo;t going to be able to play right away. Durant had a knee injury while in Brooklyn that took him out for quite some time, even making him miss the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-All-Star-2023-Jayson-Tatum-and-the-craziest-ASG-records-20230220-0010.html" target="_blank">All-Star Game</a>. 
KD returned from that issue to showcase all his talent in his new team. However, that didn&rsquo;t last much since yet another injury forced him to stay out of the court. His status for the game against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-Rumors-Lakers-could-sign-former-NBA-champion-with-LeBron-James-20230320-0017.html" target="_blank">Los Angeles Lakers</a> on Wednesday is now clear. 
<h2>Will Kevin Durant play tonight against the Lakers?</h2> 
The 2014 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Sixers-star-Joel-Embiid-addresses-his-chances-of-winning-MVP-20230308-0039.html" target="_blank">NBA MVP</a> was ready to make his home debut on March 8 vs <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-the-thunders-plan-after-chet-holmgrens-season-ending-injury-20221016-0026.html" target="_blank">Oklahoma City Thunder</a>, but he got injured in the pre-game warmup. A sprained ankle is what made him miss a stretch of six games that started with that one. The Suns have a 2-4 record without KD since then, so his absences don&rsquo;t go unnoticed. 
Durant is not playing tonight for the Suns vs the Los Angeles Lakers. He didn&rsquo;t even make the trip to LA with the team, according to Mark Medina of the NBA&rsquo;s official site. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Suns-insider-has-terrible-news-about-Kevin-Durants-injury-20230309-0002.html" target="_blank">His ankle injury will leave him out of this clash</a>, although he is not the only player that won&rsquo;t be there. Former N&deg;1 overall pick <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Deandre-Ayton-makes-bold-statement-after-first-practice-with-Kevin-Durant-20230224-0015.html" target="_blank">Deandre Ayton</a> will also miss the game with a hip injury. 
<h2>When is Kevin Durant returning from injury?</h2> 
The timeline for his return was around 2-3 weeks, so any setback could have made him unavailable for the playoffs. But fortunately, the Suns were given an encouraging update this week. Durant should be ready to go by the end of March or early April, per&nbsp;Shams Charania of The Athletic. 
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Kevin Durant’s injury update: Is KD playing today for Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers?

miniaturas

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Kevin-Durant-makes-something-clear-about-his-importance-at-the-Suns-20230306-0030.html" target="_blank">Phoenix Suns</a> pulled off one of the most impactful trades this game has ever seen. They managed to land<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Suns-coach-Monty-Williams-has-a-clear-message-for-Kevin-Durant-20230302-0026.html" target="_blank"> Kevin Durant</a> from the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-Rumors-Kevin-Durant-and-Kyrie-Irving-are-no-longer-friends-20230307-0012.html" target="_blank">Brooklyn Nets</a>, giving up a valuable young piece like Mikal Bridges in the operation. 
Bridges has taken a major leap forward since arriving in Brooklyn. But as good as he is, Durant is a future first-ballot Hall of Famer&nbsp;and the kind of guy that could take them over the hump in no time. 
However, that's only possible if he's healthy, and that hasn't been the case thus far. In fact, after just three games with his new team, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Kevin-Durant-explains-why-he-wanted-to-leave-the-Nets-20230303-0004.html" target="_blank">KD</a> was ruled out with another injury, and reports state that he might even be done for the regular season. 
<h2>Kevin Durant Could Miss The Season</h2> 
(Transcript via Greg Moore&nbsp;&mdash; Arizona Republic) 
"The Suns defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 132-101 without Durant, but the absence of their newly acquired superstar created a cloud of concern with the playoffs looming. 
The Arizona Republic has learned that there is concern within the organization that Durant has a grade 2 sprain, which would keep him out for between four and six weeks. 
Phoenix&rsquo;s regular season finale is April 9, meaning it&rsquo;s possible Durant could miss the remainder of the regular season and potentially the start of the playoffs. 
Durant has played only three games with Phoenix since arriving with the team in a trade with Brooklyn on Feb. 9. The Suns are 3-0 with Durant in the lineup. He had been expected to make his home debut on Wednesday." 
 
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Of course, the Suns want KD on the floor for the playoffs, not the regular season. But this could take a big impact on their seeding, not to mention the fact that he might still not be ready to play when they make the playoffs. 
Durant isn't getting any younger, and this is why several teams were hesitant to give up multiple assets for him last offseason. He can't seem to stay healthy anymore, and he may not have that many miles left at this point.

Suns insider has terrible news about Kevin Durant's injury

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Kyrie-Irving-sends-message-to-Kevin-Durant-ahead-of-Mavs-Suns-game-20230303-0034.html" target="_blank">Kyrie Irving</a> and<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Suns-coach-Monty-Williams-has-a-clear-message-for-Kevin-Durant-20230302-0026.html" target="_blank"> Kevin Durant </a>teamed up to sign with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Kevin-Durant-explains-why-he-wanted-to-leave-the-Nets-20230303-0004.html" target="_blank">Brooklyn Nets </a>and rule the NBA. That never happened, and the Nets made the headlines more often for off-court drama than from their actual play. 
Their once-promising and potentially great pairing will go down as one of the most infamous and biggest failures in professional sports history. They could've dominated the league at will for years, yet they barely managed to stay on the court together. 
But more than that, it seems like their on-court failure may have led to some off-court issues as well. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, they barely acknowledged each other in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Kevin-Durant-makes-something-clear-about-his-importance-at-the-Suns-20230306-0030.html" target="_blank">Phoenix Suns</a>' win over the Dallas Mavericks. 
<h2>Kevin Durant And Kyrie Irving Have 'Disconnected,' Claims Brian Windhorst</h2> 
"The complete lack of emotion from Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant," Windhorst said on ESPN. "If you didn't know any better, you'd just kind of wandered in and, like, were college fans, didn't know anything about the NBA, and I was trying to tell you that there was this enormous breakup to change the landscape in the NBA that rocked both teams, because those two guys played together for four years, he wouldn't believe me." 
"They didn't even look at each other," Windhorst continued. "There were times they walked past each other, like, during timeout situations, not, like, in the middle of the game when they're competing, wouldn't even turn their heads. So, I think we got our answer there about just where that relationship is and how it ended in Brooklyn." 
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Durant pretty much admitted that he was blindsided by Irving's sudden trade request, so this doesn't strike as a surprise. He always had Kyrie's back and got nothing in return, so there's no wonder why they may no longer be on speaking terms.

NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are no longer friends

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Ringless-NBA-teams-that-havent-won-a-championship-yet-20200730-0001.html" target="_blank">Suns</a> made a statement right before the trade deadline by acquiring <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Chris-Paul-has-a-warning-for-Devin-Booker-after-Kevin-Durant-trade-20230215-0048.html" target="_blank">Kevin Durant</a>. Making the most of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Ranking-the-top-40-of-LeBron-James-teammates-from-worst-to-best-NBA-20200527-0001.html" target="_blank">Kyrie </a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Ranking-the-top-40-of-LeBron-James-teammates-from-worst-to-best-NBA-20200527-0001.html" target="_blank">Irving</a>'s departure from Brooklyn, Phoenix&nbsp;pulled off a blockbuster deal&nbsp;for the other superstar remaining in the&nbsp;Nets. 
Of course, the expectations&nbsp;at Footprint have immediately gone through the roof. The Suns already had a number of stars in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/ringless-best-nba-players-that-have-never-won-a-ring-20210625-0009.html" target="_blank">Chris Paul</a>, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton. But KD's presence is a game changer. 
Now, we're talking about a legitimate title contender. Durant, 35, has the weight of the world on their shoulders since he's the most experienced and successful player on the roster. But in terms of leadership, he believes it takes not one person but the whole team. 
<h2>Kevin Durant&nbsp;says Suns' leadership not only falls on him</h2> 
&ldquo;Leadership is about a group effort," Durant said&nbsp;in his press conference after the Suns' win over&nbsp;the Mavericks on Sunday. "Like we are not going to just look at one guy to have all the answers. 
"I think we can all figure it out as a collective and move from there. Like I said, veteran teams that have been through a lot, that&nbsp;have&nbsp;seen some stuff in this league, it's good to have those voices talking in the locker room, it's only gonna make us getter. I'm looking forward to keep building with this team, it's been fun so far.&rdquo; 
Despite the outside noise that has already made him the team's face, Durant&nbsp;has always talked about a team and not about himself. He has nothing but respect for the other stars in the building and knows that he'll need them to take this team to the promised land. 
 
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Kevin Durant makes something clear about his importance at the Suns

Not long ago, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Ringless-NBA-teams-that-havent-won-a-championship-yet-20200730-0001.html" target="_blank">Nets</a> looked like one of the strongest teams in the league. However, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Ranking-the-top-40-of-LeBron-James-teammates-from-worst-to-best-NBA-20200527-0001.html" target="_blank">Kyrie Irving</a> made sure to put the last nail to their title hopes' coffin by requesting a trade this year, as it also led to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Chris-Paul-has-a-warning-for-Devin-Booker-after-Kevin-Durant-trade-20230215-0048.html" target="_blank">Kevin Durant</a>'s departure. 
Though the timing took many by surprise, Brooklyn had already started to fall apart a year ago when James Harden left after just one season. But all of them seem to be better since the breakup. 
Irving is carrying much of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-Report-Mavericks-would-have-to-pay-more-money-to-keep-Kyrie-Irving-20230226-0033.html" target="_blank">Mavericks</a>' aspirations next to Luka Doncic, while KD is under a lot of pressure to help the Suns win a championship. On Sunday, the pair will meet for the first time since the trade and Irving is already looking forward to it. 
<h2>Kyrie Irving addresses first game vs. Kevin Durant since the trade</h2> 
&ldquo;Playing against the new-look Suns with KD may be an exciting time just for us to compete against each other,&rdquo; Irving&nbsp;said, via ClutchPoints. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s my brother for life, but when we&rsquo;re stepping out there, I&rsquo;m looking forward to the competition. Friendly competition.&rdquo; 
After being teammates for many seasons, Durant and Irving now find themselves as conference opponents with both of their teams aiming to challenge for the title. However, KD knew it was time to leave Brooklyn. 
<h2>Kevin Durant admitted he was done with the Nets</h2> 
&ldquo;I was looking at the year we was in the last year and then this year, what are we doing [for the future]? I&rsquo;m here. I signed the contract [extension], but nobody else around me signed. It was too much confusion. I&rsquo;m glad I can move forward," Durant told Yahoo Sports. 
"I was thinking about who&rsquo;s in the building, then when s*** started happening. We&rsquo;re not playing well. KI requested a trade. It felt like a lot of s*** wasn&rsquo;t happening for us. But I was locked in. I felt like my play showed people that I was really committed to the organization. I looked up, like what am I gonna do? I don't know who's gonna be my teammates, so I was a little nervous with that happening," he added. "And we were able to work something out." 
Irving and Durant will face each other for the first time since parting ways on Sunday, March 5, when the Mavericks welcome the Suns to the American Airlines Center. 
 
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Kyrie Irving sends message to Kevin Durant ahead of Mavs-Suns game

Ever since he made it to the NBA, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Kevin-Durant-admits-hes-been-following-a-Suns-star-for-years-20230301-0029.html" target="_blank">Kevin Durant</a> has been one of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Kevin-Durant-reveals-his-ultimate-goal-and-its-not-another-championship-20230220-0008.html" target="_blank">prime scorers</a> in the basketball scene. But his now-infamous move to the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Steve-Kerr-has-a-warning-for-the-Golden-State-Warriors-doubters-20230301-0039.html" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Steve-Kerr-has-a-warning-for-the-Golden-State-Warriors-doubters-20230301-0039.html" target="_blank">Golden State Warriors</a> made him a bit of a villain, with people claiming his two titles have an asterisk. 
That makes little-to-no sense, and we should celebrate a player of his caliber instead of trying&nbsp;and bring him down. But that's how things work in this ruthless business, and it's not going to change any time soon. 
Regardless of that, KD just wants to hoop at the highest level. That's why he pursued a trade away from the Brooklyn Nets to team up with Chris Paul and Devin Booker in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Suns-coach-Monty-Williams-has-a-clear-message-for-Kevin-Durant-20230302-0026.html" target="_blank">Phoenix Suns.</a> 
<h2>Kevin Durant Opens Up On His Trade From Brooklyn</h2> 
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m not the first one to get traded or ask for a trade," Durant told Yahoo Sports. "[I] Don&rsquo;t look at myself or my status in the league that I can&rsquo;t go through what other players in the league go through.&rdquo; 
&ldquo;I was looking at the year we was in the last year and then this year, what are we doing [for the future]? I&rsquo;m here. I signed the contract [extension], but nobody else around me signed. It was too much confusion. I&rsquo;m glad I can move forward," the forward continued. 
&ldquo;I was thinking about who&rsquo;s in the building, then when s*** started happening. We&rsquo;re not playing well. KI requested a trade. It felt like a lot of s*** wasn&rsquo;t happening for us," KD continued. "But I was locked in. I felt like my play showed people that I was really committed to the organization. 
&ldquo;I looked up, like what am I gonna do? I don't know who's gonna be my teammates, so I was a little nervous with that happening. And we were able to work something out," he concluded. 
 
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Of course, everybody's got the&nbsp;right to do whatever they think it's best for them, especially when it comes to the workplace. But the narrative around KD might never change at this point, not that he should care too much about that.

Kevin Durant explains why he wanted to leave the Nets

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Chris-Paul-has-a-warning-for-Devin-Booker-after-Kevin-Durant-trade-20230215-0048.html" target="_blank">Kevin Durant</a> has finally suited up for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Devin-Booker-makes-something-clear-after-Suns-land-Kevin-Durant-20230216-0035.html" target="_blank">Phoenix Suns</a> and things couldn't have gone better. In his first game since the blockbuster trade from the Brooklyn Nets, KD posted 23 points in 27 minutes to help his team beat the Hornets 105-91. 
From now on, Durant knows all eyes will be on him and his teammates. Having joined the likes of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/ringless-best-nba-players-that-have-never-won-a-ring-20210625-0009.html" target="_blank">Chris Paul</a>, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton, the 34-year-old star is expected to help the Suns win <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Ringless-NBA-teams-that-havent-won-a-championship-yet-20200730-0001.html" target="_blank">their first championship</a> this year. 
Of course, that's a lot of pressure. Monty Williams is well aware of the weight Durant has on his shoulders right now, which is why he wants KD to feel free inside the building despite all the outside noise. 
<h2>Monty Williams wants Kevin Durant to feel free from pressure</h2> 
&ldquo;I think too many players in the NBA get too much pressure to lead,&rdquo;&nbsp;Williams said, via Yahoo Sports. &ldquo;I just don&rsquo;t think it&rsquo;s necessary. It&rsquo;s my job to lead. Players do it in spots. But that&rsquo;s the one thing I told him. I said, I&rsquo;m not looking for you to lead. We just want you to be yourself and I think that&rsquo;s where he&rsquo;s the most free. To be himself. 
&ldquo;We have Chris. Book leads in his own way. Chris [has] been a great leader his whole life. We just want [Durant] to be himself. He can show nuances of leadership with the way he works. It&rsquo;s been interesting to hear the comments, different players and different people in the gym and they see him go through his workout. It&rsquo;s unlike anything I&rsquo;ve ever seen. And I think that&rsquo;s had a huge impact.&rdquo; 
At this point, one could assume Durant got used to the pressure and knows how to handle it. However, he's still a human being and it would be a mistake to let him carry all those expectations by himself. This is a team sport, and Williams is already taking care of his newest addition. 
 
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NBA News: Suns coach Monty Williams has a clear message for Kevin Durant

The basketball community can't wait to see how the latest move in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Devin-Booker-passes-pressure-on-the-Suns-to-Kevin-Durant-20230224-0022.html" target="_blank">Kevin Durant</a>'s career turns out. After an unsuccessful stint with the Nets, KD is under pressure to help&nbsp;the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Ringless-NBA-teams-that-havent-won-a-championship-yet-20200730-0001.html" target="_blank">Suns</a> win an NBA championship. 
Durant will be surrounded with a plethora of stars in Phoenix as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/ringless-best-nba-players-that-have-never-won-a-ring-20210625-0009.html" target="_blank">Chris Paul</a>, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton will be next to him. It won't be easy, but the Suns are on paper a serious&nbsp;contender. 
It's not a secret that anything short of a Conference Final will be seen as a failure, but Durant seems to be enjoying the moment for now. In fact, he's eager to play with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Devin-Booker-makes-something-clear-after-Suns-land-Kevin-Durant-20230216-0035.html" target="_blank">Booker</a> after tracking his progress over the years. 
<h2>Suns news: Kevin Durant has nothing but praise for&nbsp;Devin Booker</h2> 
"I like his work ethic," Durant said about Booker in an interview with&nbsp;Boardroom. "I remember seeing him in college, I loved his form on his jump shot at a young age. So I was like, I can tell he's been working on his game. So just following him over the years, just seeing how quickly he developed. His IQ for the game. He understands the game. 
"I like guys that can score from all areas of the floor and being around somebody that works like that and cares about the game like that is only going to help me. So, I'm looking forward to being around him." 
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 Safe to say <a href="https://twitter.com/KDTrey5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KDTrey5</a> is excited to play with <a href="https://twitter.com/DevinBook?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DevinBook</a>. &#9728;&#65039; "I like guys that can score from all areas of the floor. And being around somebody that works like that and cares about the game like that is only going to help me." <a href="https://t.co/NFZHTuoLXV">pic.twitter.com/NFZHTuoLXV</a> &mdash; Boardroom (@boardroom) 
 <a href="https://twitter.com/boardroom/status/1630614304629342208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a> 
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 The Suns have certainly assembled an interesting combo of superstars to try and win their first championship. The optimism in the Suns' locker room has increased&nbsp;after&nbsp; 
 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Chris-Paul-has-a-warning-for-Devin-Booker-after-Kevin-Durant-trade-20230215-0048.html" target="_blank">Durant's arrival</a>, now we'll have to 
 wait and see if&nbsp;it works. 
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NBA News: Kevin Durant admits he's been following a Suns star for years

For years, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Jordan-LeBron-Kareem-Charles-Barkley-makes-shocking-choice-for-GOAT-20230221-0007.html" target="_blank">Charles Barkley</a> has gotten into <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Charles-Barkley-claps-back-at-overreacting-Klay-Thompson-20221130-0006.html" target="_blank">modern-day NBA players</a>' faces. His hot takes are sometimes true, but he's also made some 'get out of my lawn' old-head kind of comments that don't always <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-charles-barkley-calls-kevin-durant-a-failure-20220826-0011.html" target="_blank">rub guys the right way.</a> 
Notably, he's got a bit of a feud with Kevin Durant, calling him a 'bus rider' and stating that he's failed as a leader everywhere he's played. KD isn't the one to mince his words or just stay silent, so he usually claps back rather promptly. 
That happened again on Monday night when a clip of the Hall of Famer calling Durant out again went viral, as he tried to explain why he's never going to be on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-John-Salley-reveals-how-the-beef-with-Kobe-Bryant-impacted-Shaquille-ONeal-20221228-0011.html" target="_blank">Kobe Bryant</a>'s or LeBron James' level. 
<h2>Kevin Durant Hits Back At Charles Barkley With A Hilarious Response</h2> 
"Kevin gets mad at me when I point this out but if you go back and look at LeBron, he said he had to win a championship without Dwayne (Wade) to get respect," Barkley told Stephen A. Smith. "Kobe Bryant said it too - he had to win a championship without Shaquille O'Neal." 
"I hold Kevin Durant to the same criteria," Barkley added.&nbsp;"He's an all-time great, but when it comes to being mentioned with these other guys, he has to win a championship where he is the leader of the team and the best player." 
Unsurprisingly, these comments quickly made their way to KD, who hilariously asked people to send him a link to the article where LeBron actually said that he had to win without Wade to get some respect. 
 
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 I don&rsquo;t remember bron saying this…somebody link me to the article <a href="https://t.co/Ze3z7b9vN2">https://t.co/Ze3z7b9vN2</a> &mdash; Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) 
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James might not have said that, but Kobe sure did. Also, and even though Barkley is also a bit of a hater, he did have a valid point about Durant failing to lead a team to a championship away from Golden State: 
"Everywhere else he has been, he hasn't been successful," Barkley said. "And that is the standard I hold him to.&nbsp; If he wants to be on a level with LeBron and Kobe and those guys, he is going to have to be the best player and leader.&nbsp;The stress that goes with being the leader of a team is a big deal. Role-players don't have to play good; they get no blame." 
 
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At the end of the day, KD can always rub his two rings on Barkley's face, and you know he's never going to be held accountable or accept any sort of wrongdoing; his ego just won't allow it. 
As for Barkley, he's made some great points about today's players sitting out and being spoiled millionaires with no disregard or respect for the fans, but maybe talking about leading a team to a ring isn't his cup of tea.

Kevin Durant fires back at Charles Barkley over alleged LeBron James, Kobe Bryant comments

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Suns-owners-comments-put-the-ultimate-pressure-on-Kevin-Durant-20230222-0013.html" target="_blank">Phoenix Suns</a> made it to the NBA Finals just a couple of years ago. They were two wins away from winning the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Ringless-NBA-teams-that-havent-won-a-championship-yet-20200730-0001.html" target="_blank">very first championship</a> in franchise history, but then<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-fires-back-at-his-critics-with-epic-response-20230105-0004.html" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-fires-back-at-his-critics-with-epic-response-20230105-0004.html" target="_blank">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> went nuclear mode. 
It seemed like Monty Williams' team had peaked already. Injuries, some discontent from key members of the team, and overall fatigue made it seem like the Suns were no longer a championship contender. 
But trading for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Kevin-Durant-reveals-what-he-likes-the-most-about-Chris-Paul-20230220-0022.html" target="_blank">Kevin Durant</a> changes everything for this team. Even Deandre Ayton&nbsp;&mdash; who seemingly wanted no part of the organization anymore&nbsp;&mdash; knows it's time for them to get the job done after just one practice with KD. 
<h2>Deandre Ayton Says The Suns Aren't Messing Around Anymore</h2> 
"Man, one of those ones where you have those scoring matches behind closed doors. You don't know what happened with the folks in there, it was one of those. It was physical and things you've never seen before," Ayton said. "Then KD just getting in his bag and doing it on my team. Wearing the same jerseys. It was pretty cool and just seeing him and Book, he's scoring, Book scoring, 3. Dump it off to me. It's insane man."&nbsp; 
"I think everybody's competitive levels have risen a little bit," Ayton added. "The atmosphere around the facility has, I don't want to say got intense, but it's definitely a little dense when it comes to handling business. Ain't no more playing games. Less smiles, more seriousness." 
 
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<h2>Kevin Durant Knows The Pressure Is On</h2> 
Likewise, Kevin Durant knows the Suns will be asked to perform at the highest level because of him. He recently admitted that he's feeling the pressure of leading this team as one of the best to ever do it. 
"It's pressure because I'm one of the best players to ever play the game," Durant acknowledged. "So, everytime I step on the floor people are going to expect me to do great things, for the team I'm on to do great things. But I enjoy getting better as a player every day. I enjoy waking up and getting to do this. So I don't ever say anything's a failure but I know what's on our backs and we wanna get the most out of these opportunities." 
Simply put, there's no more excuses or margin for error in the Valley of the Sun. They have absolutely everything they need to get the job done this time around, so let's see if they can live up to the expectations.

Deandre Ayton makes bold statement after first practice with Kevin Durant

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Ringless-NBA-teams-that-havent-won-a-championship-yet-20200730-0001.html" target="_blank">Suns</a> seem to be the team to watch after the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/The-30-best-teams-in-NBA-history-20200701-0001.html" target="_blank">NBA</a> trade deadline. With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Chris-Paul-has-a-warning-for-Devin-Booker-after-Kevin-Durant-trade-20230215-0048.html" target="_blank">Kevin Durant</a> on board, many expect Phoenix to be a serious title contender in the West. Team owner Mat Ishbia, in fact, wants to build a dynasty. 
No one would have imagined this a few years back, but the team's reputation has significantly improved in the last two seasons. Chris Paul and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Devin-Booker-makes-something-clear-after-Suns-land-Kevin-Durant-20230216-0035.html" target="_blank">Devin Booker</a> took Phoenix to new heights, but were unable to deliver a championship. 
That might change now. A player of KD's caliber seems to be exactly what this roster needed to succeed, but D Book wants to keep his feet on the ground. With many labeling the Suns a 'Super Team,'&nbsp;Booker suggested only Durant should draw high expectations. 
<h2>Devin Booker suggests Kevin Durant carries the&nbsp;expectations on the Suns</h2> 
&ldquo;We only had one All-Star this year, that was KD,&rdquo; Booker told reporters Thursday, via Sports Illustrated.&nbsp;&ldquo;I just don&rsquo;t do all the titles and stuff, man, that&rsquo;s for you guys and everybody else." 
"I know we have a really talented group, I think enough to get to where we&rsquo;re trying to go, and finish what we&rsquo;re trying to do," he added. "So, that&rsquo;s my main focus, everything that&rsquo;s said about us will come, regarding how we finish.&rdquo; 
Of course, D Book knows they should have a legitimate chance to contend. But he's also aware that there are many other teams out there with title aspirations, and the playoffs are never easy. No one can't hide the fact Durant brings a lot of expectations, but KD can handle the pressure. For the Suns, meanwhile, it's better to stay humble. 
 
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kevin durant