The 2025 trade deadline was difficult for the Phoenix Suns.
It seemed like every player on the team was linked to trade rumors. Some were mentioned in possible deals for Jimmy Butler, who was eventually traded from the Miami Heat to the Golden State Warriors. Even star forward Kevin Durant was rumored to be on the move, but he stayed with Phoenix.
On Thursday, Ramona Shelburne reported that all the trade talk created a “toxicity” in the Suns’ locker room. Phoenix coach Mike Budenholzer responded to this on Friday.
Phoenix Suns- Kevin Durant“Making it through a season, and all the things that come with that, are never easy,” Budenholzer said. “It’s not like this has been a perfect or easy ride, but I think the guys’ commitment to each other and the guys’ willingness to learn and grow is good—and that’s what I see.” The Suns are currently 26–25, sitting ninth in the Western Conference and just half a game behind the eighth-place Dallas Mavericks.
Although Phoenix is using the same lineup, it seems the team has some work to do to stabilize before the playoffs.
