Rumor has it that the Phoenix Suns are planning to trade superstar Kevin Durant this offseason as he enters the final year of his $194 million contract.
NBA legends Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce have a team in mind that would be a perfect landing spot for the future Hall of Famer: the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kevin Durant Should Go Back to Thunder, Suggest Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce
Before the February trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors were in the pole position to trade for Durant. However, it was reported that the two-time NBA champion rejected a reunion in the Bay.
Now Garnett and Pierce have another reunion in mind for Durant.
“KD to OKC?” Pierce asked on the “KG Certified” podcast. “He’d give them that experience.
“Why wouldn’t he [want to return]? That’s where he started, that’s where we won MVP. That’ll be good to end your career there. That’s where they’ll retire your jersey. Shoot, he go there and win a chip, they’re gonna build a statue of him! That’ll be the move. If they don’t win this summer, I’d try to make that move,” Pierce added.
The duo highlighted that Durant to OKC would be a win-win situation for all parties involved. Since Durant will go back to a team where he’ll be cherished, the Thunder will have experience in the roster, and the Suns will accumulate draft capital with this trade so they can build around Devin Booker.
“That’s a smart move for everybody,” Garnett said. “Because then Phoenix takes on some younger assets that actually helps their future. It’s kind of better with Devin. Yeah, I like that one, P. That makes sense now because if you don’t have enough experience to get over the juggernauts…”
“Think about it: are you confident in OKC in the Western Conference Finals against the Lakers? No. But if they had KD, you’d be like [maybe],” Pierce added.
A Kevin Durant championship with the Thunder would be a storybook ending 💯
With signs pointing to KD's potential exit from the Suns, where do you want to see him take his talents next? pic.twitter.com/hZ7DTfErWl
— All the Smoke Productions (@allthesmokeprod) March 5, 2025
“I want my career to end on my terms. That’s the only thing,” Durant said last month. “That’s the only thing I’m worried about. ‘Cause I see a lot of dudes that don’t get that opportunity, so I want to keep putting in that work to make that choice on my own.”
Making that choice to walk away in the place where it all started in front of the fans who have supported him since he was a teenager would likely be extra sweet for Durant.
Stephen A. Smith Wants the Thunder to Go All in for Durant
Garnett and Pierce aren’t the only ones suggesting a reunion between Durant and the Thunder. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith highlighted the same on “Get Up.”
“The Oklahoma City Thunder should go and get Kevin Durant back,” Smith said. “They have so many assets, they have stuff to give away, they can’t possibly use all of them.”
After registering a 119-117 over the Los Angeles Clippers, the Suns are currently in the 11th seed in the West. With Phoenix struggling, all eyes will be on Durant and the Suns this summer to see if they go their separate ways.