Kevin Durant’s Future Hangs in the Balance
For most players, the trade rumors typically quiet down after the NBA’s February 6 deadline. However, Kevin Durant is not your average player, and the speculation surrounding his future with the Phoenix Suns has only intensified. As the Suns fall further out of playoff contention, ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that the Suns are very likely to trade Durant unless they manage an improbable playoff run. With Durant’s desire to play for a contender, the rumor mill is buzzing with potential destinations for the 36-year-old, 13-time All-Star.
Teams Out of Contention
Durant has made it clear that he wants to join a contender, which immediately rules out a number of teams. The Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, Portland Trail Blazers, and Washington Wizards are among the teams firmly in the lottery. While the Wizards are Durant’s hometown team and have the picks to make a deal, it’s unlikely he would join the worst team in the league if his goal is to win another championship before he retires.
Burned Bridges and Insufficient Assets
Durant’s past relationships also play a significant role in the trade discussion. The Golden State Warriors and Brooklyn Nets are two teams he has a contentious history with, making them unlikely destinations. The Warriors explored a trade for Durant at the deadline, but he was not interested in a return. The Nets, meanwhile, are not a fit from a timeline perspective, and the situation is too fresh to be revisited.
Teams with Limited Offers
Several teams have the assets but lack the depth to make a serious offer. The New York Knicks, for example, have blown their draft picks on Mikal Bridges, O.G. Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns, leaving them with no first-round picks to trade. The New Orleans Pelicans, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, and Cleveland Cavaliers all have varying degrees of assets, but none seem to match Durant’s criteria for a contender. The Kings, Wolves, Heat, Bucks, Nuggets, and Celtics are all struggling with specific issues, making a trade for Durant less likely.
Good Teams with Good Picks
The Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, and Memphis Grizzlies represent a tier of good teams with strong draft assets. The Pistons, with Cade Cunningham and several first-round picks, could offer a compelling package. The Pacers, with their depth and two tradeable first-round picks, are another strong contender. The Magic, already boasting an elite defense, could benefit significantly from Durant’s scoring and shooting. The Clippers, known for their strong defense, could reunite Durant with James Harden, while the Mavericks, under pressure to win after trading Luka Doncic, and the Grizzlies, with their young talent and first-round picks, are also in the mix.
The Frontrunners
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets emerge as the frontrunners for Durant. The Thunder, one of the best teams in the league, could solidify their status as title favorites with Durant’s addition. With up to nine first-round picks, including four unprotected picks, and valuable young players, the Thunder have the assets to make a compelling offer. Oklahoma City would be a fitting destination for Durant to end his career.
The Rockets, a good team in need of a top scorer, control several of Phoenix’s future picks, making them a logical trade partner. With a mix of young prospects, Fred VanVleet’s expiring $45 million contract, and multiple first-round picks, the Rockets can offer a package that the Suns would find hard to refuse. This deal would provide the Suns with the assets to start a real rebuild while giving Durant the opportunity to join a contender.
In conclusion, while the trade rumors surrounding Kevin Durant are intense, the most likely destinations are the Thunder and Rockets, teams that can offer both the assets and the contending status Durant desires.
