Suns star calls cap on ESPN reports of ‘toxic’ locker room after Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal trade ordeals

 

The world is still recovering from the fact this NBA trade deadline was the most shocking in the history of sports. Nine All-Stars changed teams alongside a plethora of other players that changed the league’s landscape. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal could have been the 10th and 11th had they agreed to move.

The Phoenix Suns wanted to first trade for Bradley Beal, but for that to happen, he would have to waive his no-trade clause. He chose not to, which meant, the franchise would not be able to get their hands on Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.

Then the Heat tried to construct a package for Durant, however, the Suns did not like their offer. News of that trade offer did not reach the 36-year-old superstar. But then, the Golden State Warriors caught wind of it and tried to package a deal with Jonathan Kuminga and a few picks to entice the Suns.

Now the franchise was excited enough to let him go, only for the Durant to decline the move. Since then, ESPN reported that the Suns locker room had turned ‘toxic’. When Suns beat writer Gerald Bourguet was at the team’s facilities earlier today, he asked Royce O’Neale about the rumors of a ‘toxic’ environment.

O’Neale flat out indicated that ESPN made up that story. He does not feel there is anything wrong in the locker room. Since trades are business decisions teams make, his response suggests players know they can unwillingly be a part of one.

Another Suns player confirms ESPN lied about fallout from Kevin Durant trade situation

Royce O’Neale himself was a part of a trade before the deadline last season. Therefore, he must know that this is normal. But it could affect Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal knowing the team were ready to move on from them. However, another player confirmed there is nothing wrong with the mood in the locker room.

The guard laughed when Gerald Bourguet asked him about ESPN’s reports of toxicity. It seems he was surprised at the thought that the trade calls had disrupted the locker room. This goes on to add that ESPN and specifically Ramona Shelburne had made up the story.