Kevin Durant Trade Rumors: Suns May Work with Star to Find Contender
Image credits: Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns are facing a critical offseason, with the team's performance over the final 22 games of the season potentially determining the fate of star forward Kevin Durant. Despite being retained at the trade deadline, Durant's name is once again circulating in trade rumors, with the Suns potentially looking to move him to a contender if they fail to make a serious run in the regular season's final stretch. The Suns currently sit 11th in the Western Conference, 3.5 games out of the final play-in spot, and significant roster changes are expected in the offseason if the team doesn't turn things around.
Durant, who is still performing at a high level with averages of 26.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists on 53.1% shooting, is signed in Phoenix through the 2025-26 season. However, he's eligible for a two-year, $120-million maximum extension this offseason that would keep him under contract through 2027-28. The Suns held onto Durant at the deadline despite him generating a lot of interest, with his former squad, the Golden State Warriors, reportedly among the teams that strongly pursued him. Now, it seems as though Durant may be ready to move on if the Suns can't turn things around, with 4-6 contending teams expected to be interested in the star forward, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, who possess the most future draft picks and are in a position to trade for win-now talent.
The Thunder are considered one of the top teams that could acquire Durant this offseason, with Christopher Kline of Fansided believing that the team is better equipped than most to trade for Durant without completely decimating their supporting cast or compromising their future. The fit is strong, with Durant's shooting remaining otherworldly for a player his size, and he would draw double teams and keep the floor spaced for star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, forming the most potent scoring duo in the NBA. A return to the Thunder would be a great way for Durant to finish what he started, with the fan base welcoming him back with open arms, while also giving him another chance to win a title before he retires. The potential trade would require the Thunder to send Isaiah Hartenstein, Luguentz Dort, and tons of future draft assets to make the deal more enticing for Phoenix.
Other teams are also expected to be in the mix for Durant, with the Suns likely to prefer a trade that brings back a combination of young players, draft picks, and cap space. The team's goal is to rebuild and contend in the future, and trading Durant could be the first step in that process. The Suns would assuredly prefer that this current group figured it out, but giving up a player like Durant is hardly ideal, even at 36, he's still a dominant force on the court, with his shooting and scoring abilities making him a valuable asset to any team. As the offseason approaches, it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds, with the Suns and Durant potentially working together to find a trade that benefits both parties.
The potential trade destinations for Durant include:
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Golden State Warriors
- Other contending teams in the Western Conference
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