The Suns started their off-season by firing first-year coach Mike Budenholzer. It's the first step in what could be a dramatic remodeling of the club.

"Privately, the Suns admit they made a mistake by not involving Durant earlier in the process. They had hoped to keep the discussions closed, the way the Dallas Mavericks did with Luka Doncic, but when the Suns inevitably had to discuss scenarios with third teams to find a way to execute a deal, word leaked across the league," wrote Windhorst.

"Phoenix is expected to engage in trade conversations involving Durant," ESPN's Shams Charania wrote. "Multiple teams will seriously pursue Durant, who finished another stellar season, and the franchise is expected to work with Durant and his business partner and Boardroom CEO Rich Kleiman on the next landing spot for the future Hall of Famer."