Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant recently opened up about the outpouring of love and support he has received from Phoenix fans since joining the team. After years of bouncing between franchises and grappling with the expectations of being one of the NBA’s biggest stars, Durant has found a new home in Phoenix, where he is relishing the embrace of the Suns faithful.
Durant, who was traded to the Suns from the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster deal in February 2023, has quickly become a central figure in Phoenix’s pursuit of an NBA championship. The 13-time NBA All-Star and two-time Finals MVP joined forces with fellow superstar Devin Booker, and the dynamic duo has given the Suns a legitimate shot at bringing home their first-ever NBA title.
But beyond the Xs and Os, beyond the highlight reels and box scores, Durant has felt something deeper since his arrival in the desert—an emotional connection with the fans.
In a recent interview, Durant expressed his gratitude and amazement at the level of support he has received from Suns fans. “I feel like all of Phoenix loves me,” Durant said with a smile. “It’s a different feeling, you know? It’s not just about what I can do on the court, but about being part of a community. It’s been amazing.”
Durant went on to talk about how this sense of belonging has rejuvenated his love for the game. “I’ve been in this league a long time, and I’ve played in front of a lot of crowds. But the way Phoenix fans have embraced me, it’s something special. I’ve been through a lot in my career, and to feel that genuine love and support here—it just makes me want to give back even more.”
His comments resonated with the Suns community, who have been eager to support their new star. For a player like Durant, who has faced scrutiny and pressure at every stage of his career, this open-armed reception has been a refreshing change of pace.
Kevin Durant’s NBA journey has been anything but ordinary. Drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007 (who later became the Oklahoma City Thunder), Durant quickly established himself as one of the best players in the league. His partnership with Russell Westbrook led the Thunder to several deep playoff runs, including an NBA Finals appearance in 2012. However, after years of coming up short, Durant made the controversial decision to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016.
While Durant’s time in Golden State resulted in two championships and back-to-back Finals MVP awards, it also brought criticism from some quarters of the basketball world. Many questioned his decision to join a team that had just won 73 games and came within a single victory of winning the championship without him. Despite the success, Durant never quite felt fully embraced by the Warriors fanbase in the same way Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson did.
After his stint with the Warriors, Durant sought a new challenge and joined the Brooklyn Nets in 2019. However, his time in Brooklyn was marred by injuries and off-court drama, culminating in the team failing to live up to its lofty expectations. His decision to leave the Nets and move to Phoenix marked yet another significant chapter in his career.
For Durant, the move to Phoenix has been about more than just basketball. It’s about finding a place where he can thrive both on and off the court—a place where he can contribute to a team with championship aspirations while also feeling a genuine connection to the fans.
Now, with a renewed sense of purpose and a fanbase that fully supports him, Durant is focused on leading the Suns to the top of the NBA. Alongside Booker and a talented supporting cast, Durant has his sights set on bringing a championship to Phoenix—a city that has been starving for basketball success for decades.
Durant knows that the road to a title won’t be easy, especially in the highly competitive Western Conference. But with the love and support of Phoenix fans behind him, he feels ready for the challenge.
“I’m just here to give my best every night,” Durant said. “These fans deserve it, and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure we make them proud.”
As the 2024 NBA season unfolds, all eyes will be on Durant and the Suns as they embark on what could be a historic journey. But no matter what happens on the court, one thing is certain: Kevin Durant has found a new home in Phoenix, and the fans couldn’t be happier to have him.
This newfound connection between Durant and the Suns fanbase is more than just a temporary honeymoon phase—it’s the beginning of something special, something that could define the next chapter of his storied career.