BREAKING: Kevin Durant trade to Phoenix Suns possible depending on availability of 13x All-Star, reports NBA insider Chris Haynes
Kevin Durant may leave the Brooklyn Nets soon. After Kyrie Irving demanded a trade and got his wish, Durant might be placed on the trade block as well if the Nets decide to rebuild.
According to Chris Haynes, the Phoenix Suns are interested in Durant's services. Since losing Devin Booker to injury, the Suns haven't played well and currently have a 29-26 record. However, the addition of Durant would make them favorites in the West.
The Phoenix Suns are prepared to pursue Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant should he become available, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
At the moment, no one knows if general manager Sean Marks and owner Joe Tsai will fully embrace a rebuild. If they do, however, they already have a suitor for the 13-time All-Star. The Nets will have until the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 9 to decide what to do with the roster.
Kevin Durant would make the Phoenix Suns a force to be reckoned with
Durant is a two-time NBA champion and would love to win another ring before he retires. Considering that he is 34 and that the Nets have been dealing with issues on and off the court, it is unlikely that he will win it all in Brooklyn.
The Phoenix Suns, on the other hand, have had some success under general manager James Jones. The Suns reached the 2021 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games.
The Suns are three games above .500, but it's unlikely they will go all the way to the NBA Finals with their current make up. The West has a couple of dangerous teams and the Suns are aware of that, which is why they are interested in Durant.
You may be interested in reading: 3 ways in which Kevin Durant's height has made him a cheat code in modern NBA
Kevin Durant hasn't had a lot of success in Brooklyn, but he's played incredibly well. In 39 games in the 2022-23 season, the 13-time All-Star is averaging 29.7 points per game, which is the fourth-best mark of his career.
Durant has also converted 55.9% of his shots so far this season, which is the most efficient shooting percentage he's ever had.
Exploring the trade package the Suns can offer for Durant
The Phoenix Suns have been wanting to trade Jae Crowder for a long time. The versatile forward has come to a mutual agreement with the team and will most likely be traded by Feb. 9. If the Suns trade for Kevin Durant, Crowder will most likely be involved.
Considering that the Brooklyn Nets superstar is being paid around $44.1 million this season, the Suns will have to add another player to match salaries.
Deandre Ayton, who is on a $30.9 million contract, may be moved as well. The Suns extended Ayton in the offseason, but may be willing to part ways with him for Kevin Durant.
You may be interested in reading: Brooklyn Nets reportedly trading Kyrie Irving to Dallas Mavericks for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and picks
Phoenix could also add Chris Paul to the trade package instead of Ayton. However, considering that he's having the worst season of his career and is 37, the Suns would have to add a couple of first-round picks to sweeten the deal.