The rumors about whether the Phoenix Suns plan to trade Kevin Durant are picking up some real steam as the NBA trade deadline approaches. More specifically, rumors Durant may rejoin one of his former teams, the Golden State Warriors, continue to float around, should Phoenix decide to part ways with him.
Grant Afseth reported, “There is increasing belief that Kevin Durant lands with the Golden State Warriors” and that “the Warriors’ pursuit of [Durant] has been aggressive.” Afseth is not the first to report the Warriors’ current interest, but his report would signify that the trade buzz is very real here. It’s all a matter of what Phoenix would get in return for him.
Why the Suns Just Might Trade Kevin Durant
The Warriors are desperate to improve their current standing, much like the Suns, because, like the Suns, they are fighting just for a spot in the play-in let alone the playoffs. The big difference is that Phoenix has very few assets to offer to improve its current standing while Golden State has plenty.
A direct trade between the two makes little sense because the Warriors wouldn’t offer Stephen Curry or Draymond Green in a trade, and Phoenix likely doesn’t want any other players on the Warriors’ roster as a centerpiece. However, there is another way to make a deal work. Given Jimmy Butler’s situation in Miami and his interest in joining Phoenix, maybe that’s how this whole matter will be resolved.
Multiple league sources have told me there is increasing belief that Kevin Durant lands with the Golden State Warriors. Plenty has to happen, but the Warriors' pursuit of this trade has been aggressive. Just figured I'd mention this as something to watch as the deadline looms.
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth)
Phoenix radio host John Gambadoro further confirmed the Warriors’ “aggressive” pursuit in reuniting with Durant while also bringing up Butler, writing, “The Suns have gotten calls from quite a few teams on KD. I think a lot depends on whether they can land Butler or not.”
They could kill two birds with one stone by swapping Durant for Butler in a blockbuster trade with Miami, with more teams potentially involved. There would be a few obstacles, but it is plausible.
READ MORE: NBA Insider Reveals Suns ‘Are Strongly Considering’ Kevin Durant Deal as Trade Deadline Approaches
The Suns may take a downgrade by trading Durant for Butler, but it could help their financial flexibility to pay Butler less than what they are paying Durant now. Doing so could at least open up more options to improve their depth, which they desperately need.
Because the Suns’ season is on track to finish even worse than last year, they must now consider whether trading Durant is necessary. If they decide it is, trading him to the Warriors may be their best option.
