Despite the Phoenix Suns’ public silence regarding any intention to trade star forward Kevin Durant, behind-the-scenes sentiments might be different.
According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, the team’s internal discussions contrast sharply with their external communications.
This intrigue emerged prominently in the NBA landscape following a major trade Tuesday night, wherein the Brooklyn Nets sent forward Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic.
Simultaneously, the Nets orchestrated another deal, transferring a 2025 first-round pick swap and a 2027 first-round pick to the Houston Rockets, alongside the rights to the two most favorable of the Dallas, Phoenix, and Houston first-round picks in 2029.
The accumulation of these draft assets by the Rockets has sparked speculation about their potential interest in acquiring a high-caliber player like Durant.
With the considerable cache of draft picks now at their disposal, the Rockets are in a stronger position to propose a significant trade. The question that arises is whether the Suns would consider parting with Durant, a perennial All-Star, to foster such a deal.
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Stephen A. Smith shed light on this situation during ESPN’s “First Take,” suggesting a complex scenario: “Pay no attention to what Phoenix is saying. They want out of Kevin Durant right now. Also, Houston doesn’t want Kevin Durant,” indicating a divergence between the desires of the Suns and the strategic plans of the Rockets.
Smith further explained that while Rockets coach Ime Udoka might see value in acquiring Durant, the broader organizational strategy is more inclined towards a longer-term rebuild. Within this framework, a younger star like Devin Booker, who at 27 years old aligns more closely with long-range plans, would be more appealing, despite the acknowledged slim chances of such a trade.
Durant, at 35, remains an elite scorer and a formidable presence on the court, as evidenced by his performance last season with averages of 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and five assists per game.
Booker, for his part, matched Durant in scoring while adding 4.5 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game, showcasing his ability as a younger player who could potentially lead a team through a rebuilding phase.
Given these dynamics and the Suns’ disappointing postseason performance, where they were swept in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team might be at a juncture where reassessing options, including possibly trading Durant, could be considered prudent.
Such moves would aim to recalibrate the team’s composition, ideally shoring up other areas of the roster to create a more balanced and competitive squad moving forward.
