In an interview with ESPN, Suns owner Matt Ishbia said that Durant is undoubtedly a great player, but just no longer fits the team's next direction.

Ishbia said: "We are very satisfied with the current lineup. Durant is a great player, no one will question that, but he is not suitable for our next development. Obviously, he's had an incredible career, but he's not a good fit for us moving forward."

"We've also gotten very good players through trades, like Dillon, tenacious willed players, players that help you win games, and that's the kind of trait we like. Jalen Green is only 23 years old, is growing, scores outstandingly and did all 82 games last season."

"We got the players we wanted, so we'll look to the future instead of dwelling on the past. Durant hasn't been successful with us and I wish him all the luck in the world for the future. And while the Sun can't rebuild in just one summer, we're happy with the current progress."