Basketball Players who Played for Suns and Thunder
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Suns and the Thunder.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant was selected second overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder). He quickly became the face of the franchise, earning several NBA scoring titles and leading the team to the NBA Finals in 2012.
In 2016, Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors. During his time with the Warriors, Durant won two NBA championships in 2017 and 2018 and was named the NBA Finals MVP both times. In 2019, he left for the Brooklyn Nets. However, he missed the entire 2019-2020 season due to an Achilles injury he suffered in the 2019 NBA Finals.
Over his career, Durant has averaged 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He’s also a multiple-time All-Star and has been named to several All-NBA teams.
Durant Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Thunder)
- All-NBA (Thunder, Warriors, Nets)
- All-Star (Thunder, Warriors, Nets)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Thunder, Warriors, Nets)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Thunder, Warriors, Nets)
Cameron Payne
Cameron Payne was drafted 14th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2015 NBA Draft after two standout seasons at Murray State.
His early career was somewhat turbulent, with injuries impacting his time in Oklahoma City before he was traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2017. After stints with the Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Payne was out of the NBA for a brief period.
Payne resurrected his career with a solid performance in the NBA bubble in 2020 with the Phoenix Suns, showing his abilities as a scorer and playmaker off the bench. He was a key contributor to the Suns’ playoff run in the 2020-2021 season, which culminated in an NBA Finals appearance.
Chris Paul
Chris Paul was drafted fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2005 NBA Draft and quickly became one of the league’s top point guards. Paul was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2006.
Paul is well-known for his scoring ability, quickness, and exceptional skills as a playmaker. He’s led the NBA in assists 6 times, and his career has been highlighted by twelve All-Star selections. He’s also been recognized for his defensive skills (9x All-Defensive Team), leading the league in steals per game multiple times.
In addition to his time with the Hornets, Paul has played for the Los Angeles Clippers, the Houston Rockets, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Phoenix Suns. Each time, he’s left a significant impact, particularly celebrated for his leadership qualities on and off the court.
Paul Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Pelicans)
- All-Star (Pelicans, Clippers, Thunder, Suns)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pelicans)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Pelicans, Clippers, Rockets, Thunder, Suns)
Ish Smith
Ish Smith was drafted as the 17th pick in the second round of the 2010 NBA Development League Draft by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Though he went undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft, he made his NBA debut later that year with the Houston Rockets.
Primarily known as a journeyman point guard and a valuable role player, Smith’s quickness and ability to distribute the ball have been his standout attributes.
Over his NBA career, Smith has played for an incredible 13 different teams, including the Grizzlies, Warriors, Magic, 76ers, Pistons, Wizards, Hornets and Pistons (and that’s barely over half!).
Smith Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (76ers, Pelicans, Pistons, Wizards)
