Despite swirling trade rumors, Kevin Durant remains with the Phoenix Suns as the NBA trade deadline passed without a deal. The Suns, who have struggled recently, are banking on their star trio of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal to turn things around as they host the Utah Jazz on Friday night.
Phoenix enters the game on a three-game losing streak, including a tough 31-point defeat to Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Durant missed that game due to a sprained left ankle, and his status for Friday’s game is still uncertain3. The Suns are 1-10 this season without Durant, who is just 26 points shy of reaching 30,000 career points.
The Suns’ season has been a rollercoaster, starting strong with eight wins in their first nine games but now facing the possibility of missing the playoffs. Coach Mike Budenholzer remains optimistic, hoping for a strong finish to the season.
In a recent trade, Phoenix sent center Jusuf Nurkic and a 2026 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for forward Cody Martin, guard Vasilije Micic, and a 2026 second-round pick. Nurkic had fallen out of favor with the Suns and hadn’t played since January 7.
The Jazz, on the other hand, are coming off a thrilling comeback victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, rallying from an 11-point deficit in the final three minutes to win 131-128. However, key players Jordan Clarkson (31 points) and Lauri Markkanen (out with back soreness) will be unavailable for Friday’s game.
