5 Kevin Durant trade the Suns should consider this offseason

The Phoenix Suns were swept in the first round of the playoffs, despite their massive payroll and Big 3. Trades for Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal gutted their depth but gave them three All-Stars at the top of their payroll. Phoenix reached the NBA Finals in 2021 and wants to compete for championships. Owner Mat Ishbia has made it clear he believes in this team, but their on-field performance suggests they are not title contenders.

The Suns are expected to exceed the second fiscal apron, which will limit their ability to improve their roster. They cannot consolidate wages into one trade or take back more money than they send. Phoenix is ​​limited to minimal signings and the return of Royce O’Neale unless they decide to trade KD.

Durant is rumored to be unhappy (subscription required) with his role and may request a trade. The Suns should anticipate the situation and try to gain some depth to build their roster around Devin Booker. There will be interest in KD and the Suns should seriously consider these hypothetical deals.

This only happens if Durant requests a trade and only has the Warriors on his wish list. Golden State only has two first-round picks to trade, and the Suns could get many more elsewhere. The Dubs can try to make up for it by adding young talent, but they can’t give up so much that it stops them from competing.

KD and the Warriors parted ways just five years ago. Does he have any interest in coming back? How much is Golden State willing to give up to get him? This would likely cost Jonathan Kuminga and all of their recruiting capital. Could the Suns convince them to give up more? It would also force the Warriors to make tough financial decisions. This offer still seems light, but it is almost reasonable.

Andrew Wiggins struggled mightily last season but has been an All-Star in 2022. Jonathan Kuminga continues to improve and is blossoming into a plus scorer with his size. Brandin Podziemski, Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis all improve the Suns’ depth and give them a quality rotation to deploy around Devin Booker.

This trade likely won’t happen because the Warriors won’t part with all of their young talent and won’t have enough capital to sweeten the deal. However, Phoenix may be forced to consider his package if Kevin Durant wishes to return to the Bay Area. There will definitely be better deals, but KD thinks he has a say in where he goes.