“At the end of the day, the trades happened, we understand we have a new team now. All that ‘Fire Nico’ stuff, we’re just sick of hearing it… We just want to go out and play and the fans to support us”. The following statement made by PJ Washington made over 3 weeks ago certainly did not age well, did it? After all, as Luka Doncic returned to the American Airlines Center months after his shocking trade to the Lakers, the ‘Fire Nico’ chants boomed. And they boomed quite loud. Along with sacrificing the team’s star player, the fact that the Mavs now hold the 10th seed due to a 38-42 win record has not made the GM any popular. What he needs right now is to give the team a major makeover. However, how many players would that require? Well, according to Kendrick Perkins, just one.

The ESPN analyst discussed the recent memorable Lakers-Mavs game in a segment of NBA Today. Perkins highlighted his belief that the Mavericks, especially Nico Harrison, could turn things around. If they cut a rising star, then they can pull a leaf from the Warriors’ playbook and bring in a veteran to improve the team.

This led to him stating, “A lot of people talking about ‘Oh yeah, they didn’t get enough back, they should have got Austin Reaves.’ You know how they can make this right? Soon as the season is over, you go out and you go get Kevin Durant. That’s how you make it right. You have the pieces, you have some money to make a trade happen. That’s how you make it right. If you’re Nico Harrison in the front office of the Mavs organization, go get KD to pair alongside Kyrie and AD.”

This is not the first time someone has suggested bringing the 36-year-old to the Mavs. In March, columnist Greg Swartz suggested that the Dallas Mavericks try to swing another big-time trade. After all, trading Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis has simply not worked out. He suggested Kevin Durant, who has a history with Texas. KD did play his college basketball in Austin for the University of Texas. Plus, the stardom and reputation he has created speak for themselves.

According to the proposal put out by Swartz, a potential trade would include Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, Max Christie, and the 2029 1st-round pick that was acquired in the Doncic deal with the Lakers.

The risk is high with a player who is nearing the end of his career. However, bringing in Durant would boost fan interest at the very least. The team would gain a legitimate scoring option. On top of that, pairing Durant with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis could create a new ‘Big Three’ in Dallas. Durant’s scoring prowess, Irving’s play-making skills, and Davis’ two-way dominance could bring the Mavs back to the championship-contending level. An appealing thought for a team that’s secured only an 8-14 win record since the trade.

You would think that Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia would have to be convinced to let go of his star player, right? Well, the billionaire might be already convinced enough. After all, the deteriorating situation around his team is not getting any better.

Would Mat Ishbia be willing to trade Kevin Durant?

Mat Ishbia himself did not choose to ignore any earlier trade rumors that were circulating about Kevin Durant. Back in mid-March, the owner specifically told ESPN’s Tim McMahon, “I’ll just say that we’re going to evaluate in the offseason. We’re going to find a way to win, and it’s probably a lot easier winning with Kevin Durant than without him. But at the same time, yes, if we’re not good enough in this iteration of the Phoenix Suns, we’re going to find a way to be better next year.” Since then, several things have happened that might convince Ishbia to lean toward a trade.

The Suns’ payroll for this season was reportedly a whopping $400 million. For fans, this indicated the team at least flirting with the idea of getting a top seed. Unfortunately, by holding the 11th seed, the team won’t even make the Play-In series in this tournament. It would be the first time in 5 years that the Suns won’t be heading to the postseason. If this isn’t a sign that things need to be changed within the roster, then what is?

If not the fanbase, then the team needs to at least keep its other star player, Devin Booker, content.

In the aftermath of the Suns’ 112-125 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team’s fate was sealed. Booker, during the post-game conference, was noticeably downcast. In regards to what needs to change for the team to be successful, D-Book was concise in stating, “More than one thing. But the summer-time is to digest and look back, see what went wrong, compare it to when things were going right, and vocalize that.”

Another factor to take into consideration is money. After all, Mat Ishbia wouldn’t have become a billionaire if he didn’t care about it, right? Durant is currently playing under a 4-year, $194.219 million contract. Back in November, it was revealed that Mat Ishbia plans to offer Kevin Durant a $120 million extension in the summer, amidst reports that they bypassed the eligible one-year agreement in July.

Given the Suns’ current situation, including Durant’s advanced age, it would be better to rebuild the team by bringing in a younger roster through the amount promised to the veteran. It remains to be seen just what steps Mat Ishbia will undertake in the future. With just one move, the billionaire could solve the issues for him and Nico Harrison. If they choose to.