One NBA executive joked about Suns owner Mat Ishbia having a new rule made for him with the Kevin Durant trade possibly backfiring.

The Phoenix Suns have one of the most talented rosters in the NBA led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. However, the team is just 19-20 in their first 39 games, which has them as the 11th seed in the Western Conference.

Along with Durant, Marks also has Phoenix sending center Bol Bol and guards Monte Morris and Damion Lee to Houston. In exchange for the four players, the Suns would get forwards Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, Jae'Sean Tate and Jeff Green, center Jock Landale, and two first-round picks (2025, 2027).

The Phoenix Suns had their five-game winning streak snapped against the Atlanta Hawks, losing 122-117. There were a lot of things that went wrong for the Suns, but one of the things did not include Kevin Durant. The Suns' star finished with 31 points, shooting 13-for-20 from the field.

Jan 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

If the Phoenix Suns fail to make significant progress, they'll continue to be involved in trade rumors. With the franchise playing mediocre basketball, a 6-foot-11 superstar forward may get shipped to the Oklahoma City Thunder to help accelerate the Suns' rebuild.