As part of their Women’s Empowerment Month celebration, the Phoenix Suns honored female athletes by asking their players to name their favorite figures in women’s sports. While many players picked legends from various disciplines, Kevin Durant‘s response raised eyebrows-he chose Angel Reese.
During a video clip shared by the Suns, Durant was seen walking through the practice area when asked about his selection. Without much hesitation, he simply stated: “Angel Reese.”
The brief but pointed response quickly sparked discussions among fans and analysts. Reese, a WNBA rookie and former LSU star, has been a dominant force in women’s basketball. However, some found it surprising that Durant did not mention Caitlin Clark, her biggest rival and another key figure in the sport’s rising popularity.
Why Did Durant Pick Angel Reese?
Durant‘s pick immediately became a hot topic, with some speculating that he sees a reflection of his own competitive mindset in Reese. Known for her intensity and relentless drive, Reese has often embraced the underdog mentality, a trait that Durant himself has embodied throughout his career.
Others viewed his selection as an indirect snub toward Caitlin Clark, who has arguably received more media attention and is often labeled as the “face” of the new WNBA era. While Reese and Clark have been competitors both in college and now in the WNBA, their on-court rivalry has also been a major factor in growing the sport’s audience.
Durant did not offer an explanation for his choice, leaving room for interpretation and fueling even more speculation among fans.
Addressing the Dating Rumors
Beyond the conversation about Durant‘s pick, his association with Reese has led to online rumors suggesting a deeper connection between the two. The speculation grew even further after Reese‘s dominant performances in Unrivaled, where she recently recorded a double-double and helped Rose BC reach the playoffs.
However, Reese quickly shut down the dating rumors during an episode of her show Unapologetically Angel, making it clear that there was nothing more to their connection.
“No, that was never a thing,” she stated, dismissing the gossip outright.
Durant’s Future with the Suns in Question
While Durant’s selection of Angel Reese over Caitlin Clark may have been the talk of the WNBA world, the NBA star has other concerns brewing in his own career.
NBA insider Shams Charania recently reported that Durant and the Phoenix Suns are discussing a potential trade if the team decides to go in a different direction. The Suns have struggled in recent weeks, losing eight of their last ten games, leading many to question whether Durant will remain in Phoenix.
Analyst Stephen A. Smith believes a return to Oklahoma City could be in the cards if Durant seeks a move.
“The Oklahoma City Thunder should go and get Kevin Durant back,” Smith argued. “If they don’t get it done this year, they should go back and get Kevin Durant. They’ve got so many assets, they have stuff to give away.”
With trade rumors swirling and his selection of Angel Reese sparking debates, Durant continues to make headlines across both the NBA and WNBA landscapes. Whether his pick was based on respect, admiration, or something else entirely, it has certainly fueled conversations that won’t be ending anytime soon.
