The regular season’s coming to an end, but there’s no calm in the desert just yet. Matt Barnes and Keyon Dooling unpack the Phoenix Suns’ latest shake-up and what it means for Kevin Durant this summer on the latest episode of All The Smoke Unplugged.
The Suns’ coaching carousel hasn’t slowed under current owner Mat Ishbia. After one season and a 36–46 record, Mike Budenholzer is out. That makes three coaches fired in three years. Monty Williams was first, despite a 45–37 season and a Finals run on his résumé. Then Frank Vogel was gone after a 49–33 finish. Reports say the Suns are working with Kevin Durant on a possible trade. It’s not hard to connect the dots. Some say the arrival of Bradley Beal was the last straw. Barnes even noted that Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, is the father of Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein, hinting that family ties played a part in bringing Beal to Phoenix.
The Beal experiment in Phoenix hasn’t paid off. The team didn’t produce, and Beal averaged 17 points while missing significant time appearing in fewer than 54 games. Barnes shared that he reportedly had a strong interest in joining the Suns before Jimmy Butler ended up in Golden State. But Beal would’ve needed to be included to make that trade work. So, he used his no-trade clause to shut it down. Looking at Butler’s leadership with the Warriors, Barnes wondered what impact he could’ve had in Phoenix.
Barnes has been vocal about the pitfalls of new ownership, reminding folks that this isn’t Fantasy Basketball. He’s seen too many missteps from owners trying to make splashy moves without long-term vision. In contrast, he pointed to the Celtics. Even with new ownership, Boston kept Wyc Grousbeck involved to guide the transition and maintain front-office stability. Barnes said that the difference in results makes perfect sense when you stack that approach next to what’s happening in Phoenix or Dallas. It starts at the top.
Meanwhile, Dooling acknowledged that things are not clicking for the Suns. He points to their inability to attract and retain talent, adding that there’s also no continuity. Barnes brings up how the Suns have had high-level talent on paper, with Chris Paul and Devin Booker being constant and their recent acquisition of Kevin Durant. Additionally, Barnes has often characterized the Suns as too top-heavy, playfully comparing them to someone who just lifts their upper body. Further, Dooling believes Durant’s legacy has taken a bit of a hit, given the criticism he faced for joining the Warriors and winning two titles where many questioned his leadership role; with the Suns, he had the chance to lead his team, and it ended up backfiring. Despite things not going as planned, Dooling appreciated the Suns working with him to find a team for him to join.
With Durant on the move again, the conversation around where he would be a good fit starts to materialize naturally. Dooling believes that ANYWHERE Durant goes, he will be a good fit based on how impactful he is on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Ultimately, Dooling mentions two sleeper locations to keep an eye on. One is the Heat, given Pat Riley’s ability to get stars down to South Beach. Another team to not rule out is the Wizards. Dooling sees them selecting Cooper Flagg with the first pick and bringing Durant back home. Dooling wants Durant to go to a team where he can hoop and build on his legacy.
Watch or listen to the full episode below and keep an eye on DraftKings Network for new episodes of All The Smoke Unplugged every Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET!
SHOW BREAKDOWN
Phoenix Suns Fire Coach, Kevin Durant’s NEXT TEAM & NBA Playoff Preview
The NBA regular season is officially over, meaning it’s time for the Phoenix Suns to clean house once again.
Matt Barnes reacts to the firing of Suns Head Coach Mike Budenholzer, and lays blame at the feet of owner Mat Ishbia.
Matt & the homie Keyon Dooling analyze the latest shake up in the desert, and speculate on Kevin Durant’s next landing spot. The guys also preview the biggest headlines from Play-In Tournament & First Round of the NBA Playoffs: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks future, the Los Angeles Lakers’ draw & Steph Curry spoiler potential.
Then, UCLA Football Head Coach DeShaun Foster drops in & looks ahead to their upcoming Friday Night Lights! Coach Foster discusses life in the BIG 10 Conference, navigating NIL & the transfer portal, and his coaching debut with Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech!
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