It’s only been hours since Jimmy Butler found his way to the Golden State Warriors. However, for the Phoenix Suns, it was a two-month battle that they lost. Butler was their primal target all along. But complications with Bradley Beal’s contract obstructed their pursuit of the disgruntled Heat star. Now, sitting set at .500, they only have little time left to make some moves. And as it seems their only option is to dangle Kevin Durant. But who says teams won’t bite?

Before the Butler trade, the Warriors were among the suitors interested in reuniting with the Slim Reaper. But that was not in the interest of Durant who made it clear to the Suns ownership. Furthermore, despite their lackadaisical record, KD hasn’t formally asked for a trade. But the Suns aren’t left with much. Hence, teams are heavily monitoring the situation in Phoenix.

Shams Charania revealed “I think all eyes in the NBA are on the Phoenix Suns lot of it because of what has transpired over the last several days. But from what I’m told there are multiple teams making really aggressive calls to the Suns on Kevin Durant. Obviously we know what has happened… Several calls are continuing to pour in”.

Furthermore, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne also reported the Suns locker room has a “toxic” atmosphere leading up to the trade deadline. Recently, they traded away ostracized center Jusuf Nurkic, who hadn’t played for the Suns since January 7th. It’s merely an indication that Phoenix could be looking for a roster overhaul.

And as the trade deadline has proven this season, no star is safe. Kevin Durant is the key that potentially unlocks the Suns’ chances at recovering this season. However, without the right shape of players around, the team could consider a tempting offer presented by some of the teams that are making the calls.

Why the Suns could still not be done making moves

The Suns are stuck in a storm where the only way out is to make difficult decisions. The Nurkic trade at the very end of the trade deadline is one such move. For the veteran center, he has begun embracing Charlotte with an opportunity to play. However, there is still a possibility that Kevin Durant will move. Being a second-apron team, the franchise doesn’t have great leverage to make improvements around their roster without a major sacrifice.

With Beal set on not waiving his no-trade clause and Devin Booker seen as the future, the only option with great value is the contract of Kevin Durant. His four year $198 million deal is the only way to get something meaningful in return. Recently, the 36-year-old forward deleted all of his social media pictures with the Suns amidst the rampant trade rumors. And with teams still calling in, all it takes is one good offer.

Durant still remains a lethal offensive juggernaut averaging close to 27 points per game. Any team making a legitimate title push could be willing to sacrifice ample for the Slim Reaper. And at this point, that’s exactly what the Suns need with them losing Butler to the Golden State Warriors.

Teams such as the Houston Rockets who were rumored to pursue KD in the past could very well make another run at it given their disposition as the third seed. Or they might not. Either way, the Suns’ locker room is an unpredictable place to be at this point. Most of their players are moveable.

And if it just so happens that a great deal lands for Kevin Durant, the 25-25 Suns might have their hands forced into accepting. With minutes left on the clock, do you think the Suns will part ways with Durant? Let us know your views in the comments below.