Big changes are coming for the Phoenix Suns after the combination of Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant fizzled out. Despite championship aspirations and a monster payroll, the team failed to reach the playoffs this season. Now, all signs point to the Suns trading Durant, and it will likely happen soon.
ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania recently provided a major update on the Durant sweepstakes, revealing the three finalists for the superstar.
3 Finalists Emerge in Kevin Durant Sweepstakes
“In the last 24-48 hours, I’m told the focus of the Suns’ conversation has been on a few of the teams, and here they are: the Houston Rockets, the Miami Heat, and the Minnesota Timberwolves. I’m told those are the three teams where a lot of the focus for Durant lies,” Charania said on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Durant is a two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, former NBA MVP, and a 15-time All-Star. Now, at 36 years old, he is still an elite scorer and hoping to add another championship to his resume before he retires.
“Maybe in the next few days, we could get some Kevin Durant trade action,” said Charania. Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from 3-point range.
The biggest obstacle when it comes to a Durant trade could be his massive contract. According to Spotrac, he signed a four-year, $194.2 million contract that expires next year, when he will earn a whopping $54,708,608.
The three teams suggested can each create an interesting trade package for Durant. The Heat have assets, but they would likely try to hold onto Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo in any trade talks with Phoenix.
The Rockets could part with Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. in a Durant deal. Houston’s biggest issue this season — and particularly in the playoffs — was their halfcourt offense, which Durant would help solve in a major way.
For the Timberwolves, coming up with a trade package is a bit tougher, but they are certainly an attractive destination for the 15-time All-Star given how close the team is to contending for a championship and Durant’s relationship with Anthony Edwards. Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Durant would be formidable and boost the Wolves’ title chances following their Conference Finals disappointment.
Until a trade happens, all eyes will be on Durant to see where the NBA legend lands next.