Kevin Durant has made it a habit to shake up the NBA world. Most of the time it is him dazzling everybody with his stellar offensive skillset. However, the 12-time All-Star can send shockwaves with just a few actions. And him requesting a trade out of the Brooklyn Nets did just that. The Slim Reaper reportedly his eyes on the Phoenix Suns as his next destination. But the asking price may be too high for the Suns to make the trade possible.
The Suns capped off the regular season as the best team in the NBA. They won a franchise-record 64 games after making a trip to the Finals the season before. It looked like their year with Chris Paul and Devin Booker coming up in MVP discussions. However, the big favorites fell in an almost humiliating fashion.
Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks shred Phoenix in their own house to win the WCSF matchup in seven games. Since then, many questions have come up about them ever winning a title. But with Durant’s newfound interest in becoming a Sun, they are still on top of the table.
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However, the Nets’ asking price was never going to be cheap. And an anonymous NBA GM believes even a good part of their core and picks won’t be enough to land the two-time NBA champion.
Will Kevin Durant make it to Phoenix?
After spending three seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, KD said enough. His shocking decision came only days after Kyrie Irving opted in for his last year. Despite a four-year extension waiting to kick in, the Slim Reaper doesn’t want to hang around any longer. He has his eyes on several teams, including the Miami Heat and the Phoenix Suns. However, Phoenix has the better odds with the assets they have to offer Brooklyn.
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But according to an anonymous NBA GM, the Phoenix Suns won’t get the 12-time All-Star without taking a serious hit themselves. Notably, they believe even offering multiple players and five picks won’t satisfy the Nets. He said, “Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and five picks still isn’t enough to me for KD.”
I’ve had enough of this guy already https://t.co/CcDAgIeIFV
— Jake bullen (@Jakebullen4) July 6, 2022
The Nets be like: “LeBron, Giannis, Booker, Curry Ayton Bridges Cam and 5 draft picks still isn’t enough for me for KD. 😤 🤡” https://t.co/GnXcAOXeRR
— Suns Geek On YouTube (@sunsgeek) July 7, 2022
Nets would turn down a spot in heaven if it was offered for KD https://t.co/9jFbjCUL2H
— IN THE LAB (@DevInTheLab) July 6, 2022
Again with this guy? Lol… https://t.co/iMCzD5WMNv
— Dan Duarte (@danduarte1) July 6, 2022
I love KD, but he ain’t worth that at 34. Not even remotely close. https://t.co/YOkLCpPTFC
— Saul Bookman (@Saul_Bookman) July 6, 2022
bro wants a full all star roster for KD https://t.co/1meNan9LDe
— offszn anon (@mavsanonymous) July 6, 2022
The day Kevin Durant chose Phoenix as his potential next stop, the Nets’ leverage grew stronger. On one end, they can force KD to stay for the next four years. However, they also have the option to get the best value they can. And if the Suns are desperate, there may be no limit.
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With Durant being one of the best players in the league, the Nets won’t even entertain the discussions without Devin Booker in the conversation. Brooklyn will undoubtedly want an All-Star caliber player in exchange. Letting go of one of the most lethal offensive players on the planet is never going to be cheap.
But giving up four young stars for a 34-year-old may not sound the best either. Booker is already a top talent and has developed into a much more refined scorer. As for Durant, he arguably doesn’t have many miles left on him. Moreover, there is no guarantee the Slim Reaper will spend all his years with the Suns.
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A major factor to remember in any trade talk for KD is that the Nets hold the upper hand. Likewise, they will try to squeeze out whatever they can get to make sure they get the most value. And with the Suns having a leader like Chris Paul for just a few more seasons, desperation may kick in.
Do you think the Suns should consider packaging Devin Booker to get an elite talent like Kevin Durant? Let us know your views in the comments below.