The NBA world was in literal shock on Thursday when Kevin Durant asked the Brooklyn Nets for a trade. But, the Phoenix Suns were ecstatic because KD listed them as a preferred landing spot.
One would have to wonder why exactly Durant wants to play with the Suns. Well, aside from admiring Chris Paul and his relationship with Devin Booker, it's his connection to head coach Monty Williams that is the real reason, who was an assistant coach for the OKC Thunder in KD's last season in 2015-16.
Via Sam Amick of The Athletic:
Why does Durant appear focused on Phoenix as the best place to continue his legendary career? There are likely a lot of factors in play here — the chance to contend again, the L.A.-adjacent locale, his relationship with Booker and respect for Chris Paul. But in terms of the personal dynamics, his close relationship with Suns coach Monty Williams may top the list.
The two of them were together for one season in Oklahoma City, that 2015-16 campaign when Williams was an associate head coach under Scott Brooks and Durant was in his final Thunder days before heading for Golden State in free agency. The two men had already grown close during that season, but the bond grew even deeper after the tragic passing of Williams’ wife and mother to their five kids, Ingrid, in a Feb. 9, 2016, car crash.
Amick noted that KD was extremely heartbroken to hear about the passing of Williams' wife, even refusing to do interviews at the time. The Suns HC is someone who Durant deeply respects.
Relationships are everything in the NBA and feeling comfortable with your head coach, in particular, is huge. The Suns will undoubtedly need to give up an absolute haul in order to acquire KD, but his fit would certainly be perfect and he'd love playing under Williams again.
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