Kevin Durant Sends Kobe Bryant Message Amid NBA Trade Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The 2024-25 Phoenix Suns closed with a 36‑46 mark, finishing 11th in the Western Conference and missing the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2020, sparking a "soft rebuild" discussion in Phoenix.

Amidst swirling trade rumors, Kevin Durant took a moment to honor his idol, Kobe Bryant, with a heartfelt Instagram post. Sharing a throwback photo, Durant expressed his longing for Bryant's presence and acknowledged his significant impact on his career.

In early February, the Phoenix Suns attempted to trade Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors without his knowledge. He eventually got wind of the negotiations and squashed the deal, but the writing was on the wall at that point.