Why are Kevin Durant’s Phoenix Suns Under Investigation? Exploring Drew Eubanks’ Future, Possible Punishment, and Past Precedents

The Phoenix Suns tipped off their season opener on a high note with a 108-104 win against the Golden State Warriors. While this calls for a celebration, there are other matters that are weighing heavy on the Suns as they are currently under investigation regarding center Drew Eubanks’ free-agent contract and the manner in which it materialized.

Kevin Durant and Co. will have to halt their celebrations as the NBA is currently probing into the matter and if found guilty of the charges, the team will have to deal with the due consequences. Drew signed a two-year deal with the Suns earlier this summer, with a player option in the second season.

The Suns might have had early conversations with Drew Eubanks

The Phoenix Suns made a free agency move by signing Drew Eubanks from the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this year. And it looks like the Suns breached the rules of free agency contracts for which they have fallen onto the radar of the NBA who have started an investigation. According to NBA’s Marc Stein, “The NBA has been investigating the Suns for potential impermissible early contact in free agency with Drew Eubanks.”

Well, it looks like the Suns had engaged in an early communication with Drew before they were supposed to. Drew’s signing was reported five minutes before free agency officially opened on the 30th of June. This leads the association to believe that perhaps the Suns have had prior conversations with Drew to strike a deal regarding the signing.

Also Read- “A Major Problem”: As Phoenix Suns Prep for Showdown With LeBron James’ Lakers, Stephen A. Smith Teases Shift in Power

Possible punishment of missing out on second-round pick

After investigation, if the NBA finds the Suns guilty of tampering with the rules, they will go by the book and lay down the due punishment, which is, that the Suns will most probably be stripped of their second-round pick. As for Drew, it is unsure whether he will fare through the two-year contract with the Suns, as these allegations come to light.

The NBA has dealt with similar cases in the past as well and penalized the Bucks in 2020 for  Bogdan Bogdanovic, the Heat in 2021 for Kyle Lowry, and the Chicago Bulls for Lonzo Ball. So, the Suns’ case is not a first that the NBA has seen, and definitely not the last.

Watch This Story-  Tom Brady, Kevin Durant and A-List Stars Witness Daniil Medvedev Beat Defending Champ Carlos Alcaraz to Face Novak Djokovic for the US Open Title

All that can be done at this point is to let the investigation take its due course, and if found guilty, the Suns will have to deal with the aftermath.