The Phoenix Suns were swept in the first round of the playoffs, despite their massive payroll and Big 3. Trading for Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal gutted their depth but gave them three All-Stars at the top of their payroll.
Phoenix made the NBA Finals in 2021 and wants to compete for championships. Owner Mat Ishbia made it clear he believes in this team, but their on-court performance suggests they are not title contenders.
The Suns are projected to be over the second tax apron, which will limit their ability to improve their roster. They cannot aggregate salaries in a trade or take back more money than they send out. Phoenix is limited to minimum signings and bringing back Royce O’Neale unless they decide to trade KD.
Durant was rumored to be unhappy (subscription required) with his role and may request a trade. The Suns should get ahead of the situation and try to get back some depth to build out their roster around Devin Booker. There will be interest in KD, and the Suns should seriously consider these hypothetical deals.
5. Kevin Durant returns to Golden State
This one only happens if Durant requests a trade and only has the Warriors on his wish list. Golden State has just two first-round draft picks to trade, and the Suns could get considerably more elsewhere. The Dubs may try to make up for it by adding young talent, but they cannot give up so much that it prevents them from contending.
KD and the Warriors broke up just five years ago. Does he have interest in going back? How much is Golden State willing to give up to get him? It would likely cost Jonathan Kuminga and all their draft capital. Could the Suns convince them to give up more? It would force the Warriors to make difficult financial decisions too. This offer still feels light, but it is nearing reasonable.
Andrew Wiggins struggled mightily last season but was an All-Star in 2022. Jonathan Kuminga is still improving and is blossoming into a plus-scorer with size. Brandin Podziemski, Kevon Looney, and Trayce Jackson-Davis all improve the Suns’ depth and give them a quality rotation to roll out around Devin Booker.
This trade likely does not get done because the Warriors won’t part with all of their young talent and do not have enough draft capital to sweeten the deal. Still, Phoenix may be forced to consider their package if Kevin Durant wants to return to the Bay Area. There will certainly be better offers, but KD figures to have some say in his destination.
4. KD goes to South Beach
Trade rumors are just heating up for Butler. The 6’7 wing lifted the Heat to two NBA Finals in the last five years but has struggled to stay healthy. He was injured during Miami’s first play-in game this season and missed their entire first-round playoff series versus the Celtics.
3. Rockets finally get their superstar
Houston has been looking for a star from the moment James Harden bolted for Brooklyn. They made progress in year one under head coach Ime Udoka and want to snap their four-year playoff drought next season. In the loaded Western Conference, the Rockets may need a superstar to make that a reality.
2. Knicks add KD to chase title
New York has spent years searching for a star. Jalen Brunson has led them to the playoffs for two straight years, and the Knicks may just be one marquee player away from serious title contention. Head coach Tom Thibodeau has them playing hard and competing for every point, but star power wins.
1. KD returns to OKC
Durant spent his first nine seasons with the Thunder before leaving in free agency to join the Golden State Warriors. He became a superstar in Oklahoma City and led them to the NBA Finals in 2012. The Thunder made four conference finals and were one of the best teams in the West during that stretch. The franchise is back, and Durant’s return could be the piece that pushes them off the top.
OKC is stacked with young talent and draft capital. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren are stars. The Thunder had the best record in the West this season, but cannot fit all their picks on their roster. Making a blockbuster trade may be the best way to maximize their assets.
The Suns get two young point guards and a young big man, plus five draft picks. They could get in on any trade after this deal and have the flexibility to build out their roster around Devin Booker. Losing KD to a conference rival would hurt, but the Suns are in no position to object. They need to maximize their return.
Do not expect the Phoenix Suns to trade Kevin Durant. The future Hall of Famer wanted to join their organization, and they plan to find a way to build a title contender with him. It won’t be easy, but winning in the NBA never is.
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