In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, player empowerment, business ventures, and team dynamics often collide in fascinating ways. And when it comes to someone like Kevin Durant—arguably one of the most influential stars of his generation—every conversation carries weight far beyond the hardwood. Over the past week, reports have surfaced that the Phoenix Suns and Rich Kleiman, Durant’s long-time manager, friend, and business partner, have met multiple times. While specifics remain under wraps, sources suggest the parties are “sifting” through possibilities that could significantly impact the Suns’ direction heading into the 2025 offseason.
This isn’t just about basketball. This is about influence, future planning, and perhaps, something even bigger.
Who Is Rich Kleiman?
For those unfamiliar, Rich Kleiman is more than just a manager. He’s Kevin Durant’s right-hand man and co-founder of Thirty Five Ventures, the duo’s joint business and investment company. Together, they’ve launched media platforms like Boardroom, invested in startups, and become prominent voices in the sports-business ecosystem. Kleiman is known not only for his sharp business instincts but also for his deep involvement in Durant’s career decisions—on and off the court.
So when Kleiman is having multiple in-person meetings with Suns management in June—before the NBA Draft and free agency open—it raises eyebrows. These aren’t casual chats. These are strategic discussions about the future.
What Could Be on the Table?
First and foremost, there’s Durant’s own standing with the Suns. Though still under contract, KD’s 2024–2025 season with Phoenix ended on a sour note: a disappointing playoff run, chemistry questions, and mounting speculation about whether the “Big Three” experiment with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal can really work. Durant, now 36, is no longer the sole centerpiece of a team—he’s part of a complex formula, one that hasn’t yet yielded a championship.
So what are Kleiman and the Suns “sifting” through?
1. Roster Reconfiguration:
With the Suns strapped for cap flexibility and draft assets, any substantial change must come via trades. Is Durant exploring potential lineup shifts? Could Phoenix move Beal or even consider reshaping the core around Durant and Booker? If Kleiman is involved in these talks, it may suggest KD wants a say in how this roster evolves—or if it should be blown up altogether.
2. Coaching or Front Office Influence:
Though Mike Budenholzer was recently hired as head coach, it’s not unusual for superstars and their circles to want alignment with coaching philosophies and team direction. Kleiman may be evaluating whether the Suns are positioning themselves correctly for KD’s final prime years. Are the coaching staff, medical personnel, and front office decision-makers aligned with Durant’s expectations?
3. Business Ventures & Media Expansion:
Let’s not ignore the non-basketball angle. Durant and Kleiman have increasingly blurred the lines between athlete and entrepreneur. Phoenix—booming in tech, real estate, and digital media—could be fertile ground for expanding Thirty Five Ventures’ footprint. From partnerships with local enterprises to sports tech startups or real estate projects, it’s possible some of these meetings included long-term investment planning that aligns with Durant’s post-playing career.
4. Exit Strategy?
The elephant in the room: is Durant exploring an eventual exit? While there’s no formal trade demand or public dissatisfaction, Kleiman’s presence often signals more than surface-level discussions. With LeBron aging, Steph Curry nearing the end, and the league transitioning to younger stars like Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards, KD could be evaluating his legacy—and where the next best chapter can be written.
Could that be somewhere else? Or is Phoenix still the right place?
The Suns’ Perspective
From Phoenix’s point of view, they’ve invested heavily in Durant—both financially and structurally. They mortgaged their future by sending key young players and draft picks to Brooklyn to acquire him in 2023. Not winning a title during his tenure would be seen as a failure, and with limited roster flexibility, the margin for error is thin.
Meeting with Kleiman suggests the franchise is at least open to strategic collaboration—or negotiation. If Durant wants change, the Suns may have to comply. But if the meetings are productive, it could mean a renewed effort to build around him, maximize his remaining prime, and finally get over the championship hump.
What’s Next?
With the NBA Draft and free agency looming, timing is critical. The Suns don’t have many tradable assets, but they could look to offload salary, pursue role players, or—if talks with Kleiman escalate—start exploring bolder moves, possibly involving their core stars.
In an age where athletes are brand-builders and business moguls, someone like Durant doesn’t operate alone. His vision is collective—crafted alongside Kleiman, who’s known for being both protective of Durant’s legacy and aggressive in seeking opportunity. Their meetings with the Suns aren’t just backroom chats. They’re calculated steps, likely part of a broader strategy that could affect the team’s next several seasons—and KD’s final years in the NBA.
Final Thoughts
Twenty years ago, it would’ve been unusual for a player’s business partner to have such visible access to front office discussions. Today, it’s a reflection of how the game has evolved. Durant is more than a player; he’s a brand, a strategist, and a decision-maker. And when his partner shows up for multiple meetings, the league takes notice.
The Suns and Rich Kleiman are talking. And when that happens, it’s only a matter of time before something shifts.
Stay tuned—the sifting has only just begun.
