Kevin Durant (Photo by Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images) and Stephen A. Smith (Photo by Tommy Gilligan/Imagn Images)
The Phoenix Suns wrapped up their season with a disappointing 36-46 record and fell short of the playoffs. It was a surprising outcome for a team featuring elite talent like Kevin Durant, which raised questions about what went wrong throughout the season.

Stephen A. Smith recently weighed in on the Suns’ performance and didn’t hold back. He pointed out that part of the team’s struggles stemmed from Durant’s shortcomings as a leader.

Durant didn’t stay silent for long after learning it. He fired back at Smith through a response on X, using the post to mock Smith’s rumored aspirations of running for president in 2028. Durant questioned how Smith could comment on the Suns’ season while being distracted by political ambitions.

“Steve is trying to run for president, u think he actually paid attention to a struggling team?? It’s called propaganda,” Durant replied.

Despite the criticism, Durant still put up solid numbers during his third season with the Suns, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 62 games. Unfortunately, he missed the final stretch of the season due to a left ankle sprain suffered in a game against the Houston Rockets.

Stephen A. Smith Responds To Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant (Photo by Rick Scuteri/Imagn Images)

Smith didn’t shy away from responding to Durant’s jab. On an episode of First Take, he addressed Durant’s comments head-on but made it clear that he wasn’t rattled.

“I don’t give a damn what KD says. I got nothing but love for KD. That’s a good brother. He’s just a bit sensitive at times. I am going to take at least an hour covering the NBA the way the players want me to,” Smith said.

Smith has already been in the headlines recently for his ongoing dispute with LeBron James. Now, his back-and-forth with Durant adds another chapter to his list of feuds with NBA stars. How long the latest feud will last remains to be seen.