Kevin Durant calls out ‘narrative-setting’ reporter over toxic Suns locker room drama

Kevin Durant set the record straight after reports of a 'toxic' situation in the Phoenix Suns locker room following the trade deadline.

Kevin Durant calls out ‘narrative-setting’ reporter over toxic Suns locker room drama

Kevin Durant unhappy with reports surrounding Suns locker room

One thing that Kevin Durant does not do is sit back and listen to the media talk about him or his team without actual facts. Ahead of the Phoenix Suns’ crucial matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies before the All-Star Break, the 36-year-old Durant addressed the media about reports surrounding the team’s locker room, which KD believes are just hearsay.

On Monday, following the Suns team practice, Durant dismissed the claims about their locker room ‘toxicity’ and directly called out ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne for pushing what he saw as an inaccurate portrayal of the locker room energy. The timing of these comments comes after the Suns struggled to make any significant moves before the trade deadline, largely due to their roster’s financial constraints.

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I heard Ramona Shelburne come out and say our locker room is toxic. I try to tell people who aren’t around this game much is, that it’s easy to say our locker room is not connected when you come in there 45 minutes before, and guys are in their game mode and not talking to each other… It’s not a welcoming environment right before the game. That’s part of getting ready to play. I think it’s unfair and lazy to categorize our team as toxic when you come in there for five minutes throughout four months.

Kevin Durant told Duane Rankin

Kevin Durant’s frustration is understandable, given how locker room culture actually works in the NBA and most professional sports. Teams are rarely interactive or chatty right before tip-off. Pre-game preparation often involves individual routines for players, such as stretching and mentally locking in for the game. The idea that the Suns’ locker room is ‘toxic’ based on this is definitely unfair to the team.

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These reports come as rumors swirled about potential tension between players, particularly regarding Bradley Beal’s refusal to waive his no-trade clause, which limited Phoenix’s ability to shake things up. With the Suns sitting at 26-26 and underperforming relative to preseason expectations, speculation about team chemistry was bound to arise.

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Kevin Durant sets return timeline from injury with All-Star Break looming

While Kevin Durant has been busy shutting down locker room rumors, his return to the court is perhaps a more important story for Phoenix. The 15-time All-Star has missed the last three games with an ankle sprain but confirmed that he expects to play on Tuesday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

I feel good. Looking forward to getting out there tomorrow. Help the team win and get back to doing something I love. It’s terrible when you can’t play… I was frustrated that I was injured and couldn’t play through the [trade rumor] noise… It’s good to get back on the floor.

Kevin Durant said after Suns practice on Monday

With the Suns desperate for stability, having KD back in the lineup could be the spark they need heading into the All-Star break. Phoenix’s struggles without Durant have been well-documented. The team has gone just 2-11 in games he has missed this season. These are troubling signs, given the high expectations that came with assembling a big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.

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Even with all three healthy, the Suns have yet to find the dominant form many predicted ahead of the season. At 26-26, they are currently fighting to stay in the Western Conference playoff race, making every game down the stretch crucial.