The most exciting part of the season is here. The 2023 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> playoffs are well underway, but we still have to know some of the individual awards’ winners of the regular season. Of course, everyone wants to knowwho is the MVP.
Three candidates are on pace to get the prize this year: Nikola Jokic, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> and Joel Embiid. The Nuggets star had the upper hand the last two seasons, but the other two made a strong case to dethrone him.
Kevin Durant, a former MVP himself, had his say on this situation. While his priority right now is to have a deep run with the Phoenix Suns, he explained why he believes the Sixers big man deserves the accolade.
<h2>Kevin Durant chooses Joel Embiid as favorite to win MVP</h2>
“Joel Embiid…he was my pick last year too,” Durant told Eddie Gonzalez on the latest episode of The ETCS, via ClutchPoints. “It ain’t even just defensively to me. He’s just dominant. He’s just flat out dominant. Unstoppable.
“I think it’s not like he [needs] sympathy for never getting one, but he’s playing at a dominant level, the last two years has been an insane level, like come on man. What more does he have to do to become MVP? And they’re winning basketball games too. He should experience what it’s like to win MVP. Everybody should if you’re at that level of Joel Embiid.”
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Durant echoes the sentiment of most NBA players, as Embiid has been frequently mentioned by his colleagues as the favorite to win the award this year. We’ll have to wait and see, but the 76ers star’s season is definitely worth of an MVP.

Jokic, Embiid or Giannis? Kevin Durant reveals his favorite to win MVP

Jokic, Embiid or Giannis? Kevin Durant reveals his favorite to win MVP - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/the-most-unbreakable-records-in-nba-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The NBA</a> was never the same after <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Charles-Barkley-explains-why-LeBron-James-will-never-be-the-GOAT-over-Michael-Jordan-20230403-0005.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Jorda</a>n came. Not only did he change the game on the court, but he also paved the way for athletes to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-the-nba-superstar-worth-1-billion-20201026-0011.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">capitalize on their own brands</a> like no one else had done it before.
The legendary basketball player was the face of the league, the Chicago Bulls, and countless brands throughout the years. And he’s now the mastermind behind the most popular sneaker brand on Earth.
That’s why, basketball aside, Phoenix Suns star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Kevin-Durant-puts-NBA-coaches-on-notice-with-epic-rant-ahead-of-the-playoffs-20230407-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kevin Durant</a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Kevin-Durant-puts-NBA-coaches-on-notice-with-epic-rant-ahead-of-the-playoffs-20230407-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a>believes that Michael Jordan’s legacy is virtuallyunmatched, as he recently reflected on his success as a businessman in the latest edition of his podcast.
<h2>Kevin Durant Reflects On Michael Jordan’s Legacy</h2>
“You can walk around any environment, anywhere on Earth, at least somebody’s going to have a pair of Jordans on,” Durant said. “That’s gonna live on forever even when we are all gone from here. He probably is that now (known for sneakers more than basketball). The brand is synonymous with class and luxury, it’s top-of-the-line.”
“He has such iconic models in his collection that we’ll never get again,” KD added. “When they took the swoosh off for Jordan, that’s what made the allure of it grow even more. We know for a fact that the greatest player in the league wore and won championships with. The stories behind his shoe, they’re gonna always hit deeper than everybody else.”

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“You can walk around any environment, anywhere on Earth, at least somebody’s going to have a pair of Jordans on.”
 —<a href="https://twitter.com/KDTrey5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KDTrey5</a> on the legacy of <a href="https://twitter.com/Jumpman23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jumpman23</a> �� <a href="https://t.co/cmcgtl5S2m">pic.twitter.com/cmcgtl5S2m</a>
 — Boardroom (@boardroom) <a href="https://twitter.com/boardroom/status/1644039976701554702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2023</a> </blockquote>
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Michael Jordan was arguably the most famous person in the world when he was at his peak, and that hasn’t changed all that much ever seen. And that was before the social media era, which is all the more impressive.
So, you may or may not believe he’s the greatest to ever do it, but he sure changed the whole landscape for every athlete who burstinto the scene after him.

Kevin Durant makes huge statement about Michael Jordan's legacy

Kevin Durant makes huge statement about Michael Jordan's legacy - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-Rumors-Sixers-shocking-stance-on-James-Hardens-future-20230407-0026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> has plenty of stars shining in different teams. However, the podium of popularity probably has these two future Hall of Famers along with another all-time great such as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Steve-Kerr-makes-the-ultimate-statement-about-Stephen-Curry-20230407-0012.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Curry</a>. A duel between <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/LeBron-James-reveals-the-only-thing-that-could-stop-the-Lakers-20230407-0005.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Kevin-Durant-puts-NBA-coaches-on-notice-with-epic-rant-ahead-of-the-playoffs-20230407-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kevin Durant</a> is impossible to miss, although it won’t happen in this <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/LeBron-James-gets-real-on-the-Lakers-playoff-chances-20230406-0005.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> vs <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Suns-star-Kevin-Durant-has-no-hard-feelings-on-the-Brooklyn-Nets-20230330-0036.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Phoenix Suns</a>.
The playoffs are almost here, with some teams already in. That’s the case for Phoenix, who has secured the fourth spot in the Western Conference. This context is the reason why head coach Monty Williams decided to rest all their key players.
It’s a whole different situation for Los Angeles given how bad their first half of the season was. The Lakers are in a tight race with teams like the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Warriors-have-one-big-concern-ahead-of-the-2023-NBA-playoffs-20230406-0041.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> trying to avoid the play-in, so they have been benefitted by the schedule. Unfortunately, that also means basketball fans won’t see a big matchup.
<h2>The last LeBron James vs Kevin Durant</h2>
There have been a lot of unforgettable games between these stars. Scenarios like the NBA Finals saw James and Durant going against each other in epic battles. Their talent might suggest they face off often, although that hasn’t been the case lately. KD going to the Eastern Conference to play for the Brooklyn Nets was a factor, but injuries were a big reason too.
The last time there was a Lebron James vs Kevin Durant was 1,564 days ago. The exact date was December 25, 2018, in a Christmas Day game between the Lakers and the Warriors. It has been a long time since then, though they could meet again soon in the playoffs if the draw says so.
<h2>Why is Kevin Durant not playing for the Suns vs the Lakers?</h2>
There will not be a LeBron James vs Kevin Durant because one of them will be absent. That’sDurant, who is out of the match because Williams decided to give the Suns starters some rest with nothing to play for. LeBron was questionable, but he suited up for how meaningful a win could be.
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LeBron James vs Kevin Durant: When was the last time they faced each other?

LeBron James vs Kevin Durant: When was the last time they faced each other? - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Kevin-Durant-gets-real-on-his-legacy-20230331-0004.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Phoenix Suns </a>are now 8-0 when <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Suns-star-Kevin-Durant-has-no-hard-feelings-on-the-Brooklyn-Nets-20230330-0036.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kevin Durant</a> suits up. Some might argue that they have yet to face a top rival at full strength with KD on the floor, but <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-Awards-Malcolm-Brogdon-and-Sixth-Man-of-the-Year-candidates-20230406-0014.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the NBA</a> should be terrified of this team right now.
Durantis the ultimate plug-and-play kind of guy. Perhaps no other player in NBA history has been such a seamless fit on any possible system, so it’s not like he needs a ton of reps to get used to his new team.
That’s why he doesn’t want any rival coaches making up excuses if they happen to come across his team in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-Postseason-When-do-the-playoffs-start-in-2023-20230329-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the NBA playoffs</a>. Per Durant, it’ll all go down to motivation and determination, not to tactics and watching film.
<h2>Kevin Durant Says Rival NBA Coaches Have No Excuses</h2>
“If you a playoff coach and you don’t know how we coming as a team, I don’t think you should have that job,” KD said before facing the Nuggets. “There’s so much data on who we are individually and as a team; there’s no hiding anything at this point. We can draw up a couple of new plays that throw them off but even after Game 1, you can still get it figured out. It really comes down to who wants it the most and who’s the better team. It’s not too much scheming and strategy involved.”

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“If you a playoff coach and you’re not prepared for how we coming as a team I don’t think you should have that job.”
 Kevin Durant sends out a warning for unprepared potential playoff matchups for the Suns ��️
 (via <a href="https://twitter.com/DuaneRankin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DuaneRankin</a>)<a href="https://t.co/J8y5KyIezD">pic.twitter.com/J8y5KyIezD</a>
 — ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1644221633706721280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2023</a> </blockquote>
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<h2>KD Knows The Pressure Is Own</h2>
Durant knows the Suns traded for him to win at least one championship, so there’s not much room for error, if at all. That’s the drill when you’re one of the greatest to ever do it, so he knows he’ll have to deal with that kind of pressure:
“It’s pressure because I’m one of the best players to ever play the game,” Durant said in his introductory press conference.“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.”

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Kevin Durant on postseason expectations in Phoenix:
 “It’s pressure because I’m one of the best players to ever play the game.” ��️��
 <a href="https://t.co/YWMTXU6eh4">pic.twitter.com/YWMTXU6eh4</a>
 — Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHoopCentral/status/1626332099702845440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2023</a> </blockquote>
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At the end of the day, the Suns will still need to prove that they’re better than everybody else. And while they sure have more than enough to pull that off, we’ve seen superteams fall short year after year.

Kevin Durant puts NBA coaches on notice with epic rant ahead of the playoffs

Kevin Durant puts NBA coaches on notice with epic rant ahead of the playoffs - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Suns-star-Kevin-Durant-has-no-hard-feelings-on-the-Brooklyn-Nets-20230330-0036.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kevin Durant </a>has become the ultimate <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-Rumors-Kevin-Durant-and-Kyrie-Irving-are-no-longer-friends-20230307-0012.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA villain</a>. His decision to join the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Stephen-Curry-shares-his-thoughts-on-Andrew-Wiggins-situation-20230330-0010.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Golden State Warriors </a>and his subsequent attitude towardthe fans and the media have turned him into the guy everybody loves to hate.
But there’s no way to discredit what he’s done on the court. Regardless of how some fans may feel about him, he’s one of the greatest players to ever grace the face of the Earth, and there’s simply no way around that statement.
That’s why the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Suns-star-Devin-Booker-has-mixed-feelings-on-the-Kevin-Durant-trade-20230329-0034.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Phoenix Suns</a> superstar claims that he doesn’t even care about the narrative around his legacy anymore. He knows people will never let him be, no matter how much he accomplishes.
<h2>Kevin Durant Says He Doesn’t Care About His Legacy Anymore</h2>
“I don’t care about legacy,” Durant told The Athletic’s Shams Charania. “I used to. I used to want to carve out a lane or space in this game for myself that people can remember, but it’s become too much of a thing now. It just becomes too much of a focus on other people. What’s he done, what’s he done? Comparisons. Before, when we wasn’t doing all this debating, I cared about it … I’m about to be in the same breath as these top guys. It was big.”
“Nowadays, I truly, truly don’t care,” KD added.”I truly just want to go out there and produce, be the best that I could be, go home, hang with my family, that’s it.”
“Once I left to go to the Warriors (in 2016), I figured any logical thing, when it comes to me it’s out of the window,” Durant continued. “When it comes to me, people are not going to think in a logical way or simply look at what I’ve done and say that’s it. They gotta add a narrative to it, they gotta push something to discredit me. Once I left to go to the Warriors, it’s been the gymnastics on how to discredit me every step of the way. It’s like, damn, that’s not even fun no more like engaging with people because y’all aren’t even being truthful. You move the goalpost every time, you expect the most out of me and if I don’t reach it I’m a failure. It’s like, what’s the problem?”
 
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His haters will once again claim that he’s running from the grind or something like that, but KD actually has a valid point right here. It’s time people start giving him the recognition he deserves, even if he didn’t take the steps we would’ve wanted.

Kevin Durant gets real on his legacy

Kevin Durant gets real on his legacy - Bolavip US

In the blink of an eye, the Brooklyn Nets lost the two biggest stars on their team. With <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" rel="noopener">Kyrie Irving</a> leaving for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/The-30-best-teams-in-NBA-history-20200701-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dallas</a>, Kevin Durant followed suit and packed his bags to play for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Ringless-NBA-teams-that-havent-won-a-championship-yet-20200730-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Phoenix Suns</a>.
KD had requested a trade earlier in the season, but he eventually changed his mind and stayed with the team that gave him a lucrative contract only two years back. It didn’t last long, as he was out just before the deadline.
At 34, Durant is once again trying to prove he can still win achampionship without <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/the-most-unbreakable-records-in-nba-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Curry and the Warriors</a>. Though he’s clearly happy to be next to a plethora of stars in Phoenix, KD said he didn’t want to leave Brooklyn like that.
<h2>Kevin Durant on his trade from Brooklyn: ‘I hated it had to go down like that’</h2>
“I want the best for that organization. I wanted the best for us every game. I hated it had to go down like that,” Durant said, via The Athletic. “… I was trying to prove that the Nets are a great organization, that they care about their players, want the best for their players. …”
“I’m not here trying to prove that the Nets was wrong, I think they did amazing by me the whole time I was there, not just with the trade. Coming off the Achilles injury, get back into playing — they made sure they were there for me every step of the way. And I appreciate that for life. I feel like we’ll be tied as family members for life regardless of how it finished.”
Durant definitely looksgrateful for his time in Brooklyn, and it’s safe to sayhe would have likeda better ending. Unfortunately, nothing went to plan for the Nets and now KD is pursuing another ring in Phoenix.
 
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NBA News: Suns star Kevin Durant has no hard feelings on the Brooklyn Nets

NBA News: Suns star Kevin Durant has no hard feelings on the Brooklyn Nets - Bolavip US

With <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" rel="noopener">Kyrie Irving</a> requesting a trade out of the blue just before the deadline, Kevin Durant followed suit and decided it was time to leave Brooklyn. It didn’t take long for him to get what he wanted and was sent to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Ringless-NBA-teams-that-havent-won-a-championship-yet-20200730-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Phoenix</a>.
Needless to say, the expectations around the Suns have significantly increased since KD came to town. With him, the team has an extra superstar with the difference that Durant actually knows <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/ringless-best-nba-players-that-have-never-won-a-ring-20210625-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">what it’s like to win championships.</a>
Things didn’t start exactly smooth, though, as Durant spent time on the sidelines due to injury. In fact, Devin Booker has openly admitted he misses former teammates Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson.
<h2>Suns news: Devin Booker says the Kevin Durant trade is tough</h2>
“I just wanted it to happen. But it’s tough. We obviously got back one of the best players ever to play, but we lost a few young studs (to the Nets) too in Cam and Mikal (Bridges). I guess that’s part of the business, but it’s definitely tough,” Booker said, via The Athletic.
“There were rumors and speculation throughout the summertime that (a Durant deal) was gonna happen, and then it was out of the question once they started playing well in Brooklyn. So you know, the Kyrie (Irving) situation went down and that opportunity presented itself again.”
Bridges has being doing far better than predicted with the Nets, which makes things harder. However, it’s safe to say it will all be worth it if KD helps the Suns reach the promised land.
 
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NBA News: Suns star Devin Booker has mixed feelings on the Kevin Durant trade

NBA News: Suns star Devin Booker has mixed feelings on the Kevin Durant trade - Bolavip US

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" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener">Kevin Durant</a> in the lineup has a chance to be the champion, although he hasn’t been available recently.
When the Suns made that move with the Nets, they knew their new player wasn’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" rel="noopener">All-Star Game</a>.
KD returned from that issue to showcase all his talent in his new team. However, that didn’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" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener">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’t go unnoticed.
Durant is not playing tonight for the Suns vs the Los Angeles Lakers. He didn’t even make the trip to LA with the team, according to Mark Medina of the NBA’s official site. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Suns-insider-has-terrible-news-about-Kevin-Durants-injury-20230309-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">His ankle injury will leave him out of this clash</a>, although he is not the only player that won’t be there. Former N°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" rel="noopener">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, perShams Charania of The Athletic.
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Kevin Durant’s injury update: Is KD playing today for Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers?

Kevin Durant’s injury update: Is KD playing today for Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers? - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Kevin-Durant-makes-something-clear-about-his-importance-at-the-Suns-20230306-0030.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener"> 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" rel="noopener">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 Famerand 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" rel="noopener">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— 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’s regular season finale is April 9, meaning it’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

Suns insider has terrible news about Kevin Durant's injury - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Kyrie-Irving-sends-message-to-Kevin-Durant-ahead-of-Mavs-Suns-game-20230303-0034.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener"> 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" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener">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

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

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Ringless-NBA-teams-that-havent-won-a-championship-yet-20200730-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener">Irving</a>‘s departure from Brooklyn, Phoenixpulled off a blockbuster dealfor the other superstar remaining in theNets.
Of course, the expectationsat 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" rel="noopener">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 Durantsays Suns’ leadership not only falls on him</h2>
“Leadership is about a group effort,” Durant saidin his press conference after the Suns’ win overthe 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, thathaveseen 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.”
Despite the outside noise that has already made him the team’s face, Duranthas 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

Kevin Durant makes something clear about his importance at the Suns - Bolavip US

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" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener">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>
“Playing against the new-look Suns with KD may be an exciting time just for us to compete against each other,” Irvingsaid, via ClutchPoints. “That’s my brother for life, but when we’re stepping out there, I’m looking forward to the competition. Friendly competition.”
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>
“I was looking at the year we was in the last year and then this year, what are we doing [for the future]? I’m here. I signed the contract [extension], but nobody else around me signed. It was too much confusion. I’m glad I can move forward,” Durant told Yahoo Sports. 
“I was thinking about who’s in the building, then when s*** started happening. We’re not playing well. KI requested a trade. It felt like a lot of s*** wasn’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

Kyrie Irving sends message to Kevin Durant ahead of Mavs-Suns game - Bolavip US

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" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener"> </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" rel="noopener">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 tryingand 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" rel="noopener">Phoenix Suns.</a>
<h2>Kevin Durant Opens Up On His Trade From Brooklyn</h2>
“I’m not the first one to get traded or ask for a trade,” Durant told Yahoo Sports. “[I] Don’t look at myself or my status in the league that I can’t go through what other players in the league go through.”
“I was looking at the year we was in the last year and then this year, what are we doing [for the future]? I’m here. I signed the contract [extension], but nobody else around me signed. It was too much confusion. I’m glad I can move forward,” the forward continued.
“I was thinking about who’s in the building, then when s*** started happening. We’re not playing well. KI requested a trade. It felt like a lot of s*** wasn’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.
“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 theright 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

Kevin Durant explains why he wanted to leave the Nets - Bolavip US

<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" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener">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>
“I think too many players in the NBA get too much pressure to lead,”Williams said, via Yahoo Sports. “I just don’t think it’s necessary. It’s my job to lead. Players do it in spots. But that’s the one thing I told him. I said, I’m not looking for you to lead. We just want you to be yourself and I think that’s where he’s the most free. To be himself.
“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’s been interesting to hear the comments, different players and different people in the gym and they see him go through his workout. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. And I think that’s had a huge impact.”
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

NBA News: Suns coach Monty Williams has a clear message for Kevin Durant - Bolavip US

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" rel="noopener">Kevin Durant</a>‘s career turns out. After an unsuccessful stint with the Nets, KD is under pressure to helpthe <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Ringless-NBA-teams-that-havent-won-a-championship-yet-20200730-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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" rel="noopener">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 seriouscontender.
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" rel="noopener">Booker</a> after tracking his progress over the years.
<h2>Suns news: Kevin Durant has nothing but praise forDevin Booker</h2>
“I like his work ethic,” Durant said about Booker in an interview withBoardroom. “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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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
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>. ☀️
 “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>
 — Boardroom (@boardroom) <a href="https://twitter.com/boardroom/status/1630614304629342208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a> </blockquote>
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<div> 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 increasedafter <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" rel="noopener">Durant’s arrival</a>, now we’ll have to wait and see ifit works. </div>
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NBA News: Kevin Durant admits he's been following a Suns star for years

NBA News: Kevin Durant admits he's been following a Suns star for years - Bolavip US

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