Durant's goal is to fulfill his contract and focus on the present

The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns were reportedly close to a deal to bring Kevin Durant back to the Bay Area, but the deal ultimately fell through due to Durant's opposition. Meanwhile, several teams, including the Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves, have also expressed strong interest in the 36-year-old super forward.

In his first media interview after the trade deadline, Durant talked about the trade rumors about himself, but he seemed very calm about it.

Durant said: "This is just part of the business, and everyone has to understand. In this league, anyone can be bought and sold, and anyone can become a bargaining chip. I understand this. The key is to return to the court and continue to play the game I love."

Durant was also asked about a three-way trade involving the Warriors, Suns and Heat. According to rumors, the Warriors were interested in bringing in Durant, and the Suns could have traded for Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga and multiple draft picks. But in the end, the deal failed and Butler was sent to the Warriors.

Durant responded: "I've experienced similar rumors before. The team is closely watched by the outside world, and there will always be people commenting on the team's operations."
"I understand this business. We all signed up to join this system. No matter how much you have achieved in the league, you can't override the business rules of the NBA. I have always understood this."

Although the Suns have listened to offers for Durant in the trade market, he said his views on the team have not been affected and he still plans to fulfill his current contract until the end of the 2025-26 season.

"My goal has always been to fulfill the contract. As for what will happen in the future, I can't foresee it."
"I'm just focusing on the present, not what's going to happen a year and a half from now. The most annoying part for me is that once I'm involved in trade rumors, I'll be the focus of attention for the entire season."

"My body language, my attitude towards the media, my performance on the bench... all of these will be magnified infinitely. It's annoying, but it's also part of the NBA business rules, and I have to accept it."