Kevin Durant

[Domejandro]

Strongly disagree with the narrative that he hasn’t made a substantial difference in Phoenix. Last year, they were 3-17 when he didn’t play, which is good for the worst winning percentage in the NBA. They were 33-29 when he played, despite the roster being hot garbage.

Kevin Durant might fall off or break down completely at some point, but impact-wise, he is still a monster.

That’s one way to look at it, but they’ve also gone from a finals team the year before they acquired him, to a 2nd round playoff team, to getting swept in the first round, to missing the play-in.

No consistency year to year with coaches and schemes

The big mistake was Phoenix trading away an extremely high-impact player (Chris Paul) along with assets for a perpetually injured Bradley Beal. Personally, I think that they overpaid for Kevin Durant in the first place, but after making that trade, the Paul -> Beal swap was devastating.

[Howard Cosell]

Kevin Durant will direct his trade. Question is who does he want to play next to for next 2 years?

Did Durant and Edwards make a strong enough connection while playing on team USA?

If answer is yea the deal will most likely be made in my opinion because Twolves front office and Edwards wants Durant.

This is up to Durant. Twolves and Suns will make it work if Durant gives the nod of approval.

[Worm Guts]

I think the biggest benefit to get Durant isn’t how long he stays at the top of his game, or even if he can help us win a ring. To me, the biggest contribution that KD could make is to teach Ant.

Mentorship isn't a very measurable quality. Ant has had quality veteran teammates (like Conley), he's also spent time on team USA with Lebron, Curry and KD, so he's spent time with high end veterans. Beyond we don't really know what type of mentor KD is, being a great player doesn't make you a great mentor. It's a pretty speculative thing. Maybe I would feel more confident in that if I knew KD personally, but as a fan I wouldn't advocate a trade for mentorship reasons.

[Domejandro]

I’ll be honest, I super don’t care about the Ant friendship angle. My view is that people drastically understate how high Kevin Durant’s impact is, the dude is an absolute freak. If there is a way to get him while keeping Rudy Gobert (and obviously Jaden McDaniels), I find it to be an absolute no-brainer to the extent that I think folks are kind of wild for not agreeing.

People were against trading for Kevin Durant last season and the dude ended up dropping 26.6/6.0/4.2 on 53/43/84 splits. Minnesota would have been a real Championship contender with him over the Knicks trade or KAT.

[Domejandro]

I think the key issue is that other teams have a huge talent and asset advantage over Minnesota, when Jaden McDaniels is taken off of the table. It’s going to come down to where Kevin Durant wants to play; if he is comfortable with a bunch of teams, it might be tough for Minnesota.

[winforlose]

I’ll be honest, I super don’t care about the Ant friendship angle. My view is that people drastically understate how high Kevin Durant’s impact is, the dude is an absolute freak. If there is a way to get him while keeping Rudy Gobert (and obviously Jaden McDaniels), I find it to be an absolute no-brainer to the extent that I think folks are kind of wild for not agreeing.

People were against trading for Kevin Durant last season and the dude ended up dropping 26.6/6.0/4.2 on 53/43/84 splits. Minnesota would have been a real Championship contender with him over the Knicks trade or KAT.

Yet KD’s team went 36 and 46, got 11th in the west, and missed the play-in. KD cost significantly more than Randle, and the Suns have already rejected a trade for KAT. KD had plenty of talent around him with Booker, Beal, Jones, and more and couldn’t lead his team. I am not convinced he would be a positive influence on this one.

[Domejandro]

I’ll be honest, I super don’t care about the Ant friendship angle. My view is that people drastically understate how high Kevin Durant’s impact is, the dude is an absolute freak. If there is a way to get him while keeping Rudy Gobert (and obviously Jaden McDaniels), I find it to be an absolute no-brainer to the extent that I think folks are kind of wild for not agreeing.

People were against trading for Kevin Durant last season and the dude ended up dropping 26.6/6.0/4.2 on 53/43/84 splits. Minnesota would have been a real Championship contender with him over the Knicks trade or KAT.

Yet KD’s team went 36 and 46, got 11th in the west, and missed the play-in. KD cost significantly more than Randle, and the Suns have already rejected a trade for KAT. KD had plenty of talent around him with Booker, Beal, Jones, and more and couldn’t lead his team. I am not convinced he would be a positive influence on this one.

Kevin Durant's team went 33-29 with him playing, and a staggering 3-17 when he didn't.

Also, Phoenix's roster absolutely stinks. Devin Booker is a good player, but beyond that, they have no Centers, Bradley Beal is washed and perpetually injured, Tyus Jones is a horrible fit on that roster, and they have no bench. Kevin Durant was somehow the best defensive player in the starting line-up for a huge chunk of the year (rookie Ryan Dunn stepping into the starting line-up was their only saving grace). The team is absolutely terrible.

[winforlose]

I’ll be honest, I super don’t care about the Ant friendship angle. My view is that people drastically understate how high Kevin Durant’s impact is, the dude is an absolute freak. If there is a way to get him while keeping Rudy Gobert (and obviously Jaden McDaniels), I find it to be an absolute no-brainer to the extent that I think folks are kind of wild for not agreeing.

People were against trading for Kevin Durant last season and the dude ended up dropping 26.6/6.0/4.2 on 53/43/84 splits. Minnesota would have been a real Championship contender with him over the Knicks trade or KAT.

Yet KD’s team went 36 and 46, got 11th in the west, and missed the play-in. KD cost significantly more than Randle, and the Suns have already rejected a trade for KAT. KD had plenty of talent around him with Booker, Beal, Jones, and more and couldn’t lead his team. I am not convinced he would be a positive influence on this one.

Kevin Durant's team went 33-29 with him playing, and a staggering 3-17 when he didn't.

Also, Phoenix's roster absolutely stinks. Devin Booker is a good player, but beyond that, they have no Centers, Bradley Beal is washed and perpetually injured, Tyus Jones is a horrible fit on that roster, and they have no bench. Kevin Durant was somehow the best defensive player in the starting line-up for a huge chunk of the year (rookie Ryan Dunn stepping into the starting line-up was their only saving grace). The team is absolutely terrible.

So we should expect to play 20 games without KD while paying him over 50 million? How did we do without Randle? Also 33-29 can be very misleading depending on time of year, rest advantage, ect…

The Suns raw talent is not that bad. The Suns problem was lack of leadership to keep guys engaged. KD proved he is not a leader and probably not a good guy to have in a locker room, so of course let’s bring him into ours.

[KGdaBom]

I’ll be honest, I super don’t care about the Ant friendship angle. My view is that people drastically understate how high Kevin Durant’s impact is, the dude is an absolute freak. If there is a way to get him while keeping Rudy Gobert (and obviously Jaden McDaniels), I find it to be an absolute no-brainer to the extent that I think folks are kind of wild for not agreeing.

People were against trading for Kevin Durant last season and the dude ended up dropping 26.6/6.0/4.2 on 53/43/84 splits. Minnesota would have been a real Championship contender with him over the Knicks trade or KAT.

You are correct, but he is so old now. Will he fade a bit next year?

[Worm Guts]

I’ll be honest, I super don’t care about the Ant friendship angle. My view is that people drastically understate how high Kevin Durant’s impact is, the dude is an absolute freak. If there is a way to get him while keeping Rudy Gobert (and obviously Jaden McDaniels), I find it to be an absolute no-brainer to the extent that I think folks are kind of wild for not agreeing.

People were against trading for Kevin Durant last season and the dude ended up dropping 26.6/6.0/4.2 on 53/43/84 splits. Minnesota would have been a real Championship contender with him over the Knicks trade or KAT.

No doubt Durant is still really good, but I have been colored what's happened in Phoenix and Milwaukee with Durant and Lillard. Gambles that didn't pay off, leaving their teams on the brink of a rebuild. With Durant's age, salary and what we would have to give up, I'm not convinced it's a good gamble.

[Domejandro]

Yet KD’s team went 36 and 46, got 11th in the west, and missed the play-in. KD cost significantly more than Randle, and the Suns have already rejected a trade for KAT. KD had plenty of talent around him with Booker, Beal, Jones, and more and couldn’t lead his team. I am not convinced he would be a positive influence on this one.

Kevin Durant's team went 33-29 with him playing, and a staggering 3-17 when he didn't.

Also, Phoenix's roster absolutely stinks. Devin Booker is a good player, but beyond that, they have no Centers, Bradley Beal is washed and perpetually injured, Tyus Jones is a horrible fit on that roster, and they have no bench. Kevin Durant was somehow the best defensive player in the starting line-up for a huge chunk of the year (rookie Ryan Dunn stepping into the starting line-up was their only saving grace). The team is absolutely terrible.

So we should expect to play 20 games without KD while paying him over 50 million? How did we do without Randle? Also 33-29 can be very misleading depending on time of year, rest advantage, ect…

The Suns raw talent is not that bad. The Suns problem was lack of leadership to keep guys engaged. KD proved he is not a leader and probably not a good guy to have in a locker room, so of course let’s bring him into ours.

I don't want to be a hater, but the idea that Phoenix's roster was at all decent just doesn't pass the smell test for me. That roster was a disaster.

[jpatrick]

I have no doubt we’re going to go after Durant. The question becomes, what is the most we’ll offer? I’m on the - one of DDV/NAW; Dillingham; Randle; and Miller and/or Minnott. I’m sure the Suns would also want our picks this year, but we will need young, cost controlled guys. Rudy/Durant are old and expensive.

Shrink has done a good job discussing the ramifications of the aprons. I would think us/Suns each want to take back less than we send out, and the S/T players would have to go to a third team.

[winforlose]

I have no doubt we’re going to go after Durant. The question becomes, what is the most we’ll offer? I’m on the - one of DDV/NAW; Dillingham; Randle; and Miller and/or Minnott. I’m sure the Suns would also want our picks this year, but we will need young, cost controlled guys. Rudy/Durant are old and expensive.

Shrink has done a good job discussing the ramifications of the aprons. I would think us/Suns each want to take back less than we send out, and the S/T players would have to go to a third team.

This take fails to consider the roster construction after the fact. Our failures at the 1 and 5 were the reason we got bounced this year. Mike is a year older, Dilly is probably not starter worthy, DDV is not a 1, and we have no one else. Drafting a PG one year after trading up for Dilly would send a terrible message and seems doubtful. KD is a 3/4 which so happens to be what Jaden, Naz, and Randle happen to be. Consolidating cap into a position of strength while not addressing positions of weakness is a great way to become less successful.

[BlacJacMac]

I have no doubt we’re going to go after Durant. The question becomes, what is the most we’ll offer? I’m on the - one of DDV/NAW; Dillingham; Randle; and Miller and/or Minnott. I’m sure the Suns would also want our picks this year, but we will need young, cost controlled guys. Rudy/Durant are old and expensive.

Shrink has done a good job discussing the ramifications of the aprons. I would think us/Suns each want to take back less than we send out, and the S/T players would have to go to a third team.

This take fails to consider the roster construction after the fact. Our failures at the 1 and 5 were the reason we got bounced this year. Mike is a year older, Dilly is probably not starter worthy, DDV is not a 1, and we have no one else. Drafting a PG one year after trading up for Dilly would send a terrible message and seems doubtful. KD is a 3/4 which so happens to be what Jaden, Naz, and Randle happen to be. Consolidating cap into a position of strength while not addressing positions of weakness is a great way to become less successful.

To be fair, he did send out Dilly and Randle in his proposal.

[jpatrick]

I have no doubt we’re going to go after Durant. The question becomes, what is the most we’ll offer? I’m on the - one of DDV/NAW; Dillingham; Randle; and Miller and/or Minnott. I’m sure the Suns would also want our picks this year, but we will need young, cost controlled guys. Rudy/Durant are old and expensive.

Shrink has done a good job discussing the ramifications of the aprons. I would think us/Suns each want to take back less than we send out, and the S/T players would have to go to a third team.

This take fails to consider the roster construction after the fact. Our failures at the 1 and 5 were the reason we got bounced this year. Mike is a year older, Dilly is probably not starter worthy, DDV is not a 1, and we have no one else. Drafting a PG one year after trading up for Dilly would send a terrible message and seems doubtful. KD is a 3/4 which so happens to be what Jaden, Naz, and Randle happen to be. Consolidating cap into a position of strength while not addressing positions of weakness is a great way to become less successful.

I don’t see Dillingham as a future starter, so whether we keep him or not, I think we need to address that position longterm. Let’s say the deal is DDV, Dilly, Randle, and Minnott for Durant, and for the record, I think he gets traded for more than that. We draft Traore/Demin at 17 and Yang/Kalkbrenner at 31. If, big if, we can sign NAW/Naz, we have depth/youth at each position.

PG: Conley - Traore/Demin/maybe Jakucionis if he falls
SG: Ant - NAW (?) - Clark
SF: McDaniels - TSJ
PF: Durant - Naz
C: Gobert - Kalkbrenner/Yang

And even if NAW walks, which would be a blow, we have depth. And Durant is only a PF imo now. Naz, I like him as a sixth man. I wouldn't want him as my second option. And with his shaky defense and propensity to have complete dud games in the playoffs, not sure I love the idea of him as a starter on a championship team.

[younggunsmn]

If we trade for Kevin Durant that team needs to be able to get to the finals and beat OKC, or it is not worth it and a waste of assets.
Also, we are not beating OKC with Rudy Gobert playing major minutes, their D is too good to win playing 4 on 5.

That means any trade for Durant needs to send out Randle and Gobert and either bring back a decent PG and C or leave us enough room to sign one, as well as having enough quality depth.

Trade Randle/Gobert in 3or 4 way trade for Durant and bring back player like Okongwu, use taxpayer MLE on Tyus Jones?

[Domejandro]

He's a fringe starter, great back-up, but if Tyus is struggling to find a market, I would be comfortable with offering him at shot as the starter on this squad. Would give Minnesota 48 minutes of competent Point-Guard play, even if not spectacular.

Tyus Jones / Mike Conley
Anthony Edwards / Jaylen Clark
Jaden McDaniels / Terrence Shannon Jr. / Josh Minott
Kevin Durant / Leonard Miller
Rudy Gobert /

Realistically fill in some hodgepodge of Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Rob Dillingham, and #17, depending on who is included in the deal (maybe Mike gets moved).

[winforlose]

I have no doubt we’re going to go after Durant. The question becomes, what is the most we’ll offer? I’m on the - one of DDV/NAW; Dillingham; Randle; and Miller and/or Minnott. I’m sure the Suns would also want our picks this year, but we will need young, cost controlled guys. Rudy/Durant are old and expensive.

Shrink has done a good job discussing the ramifications of the aprons. I would think us/Suns each want to take back less than we send out, and the S/T players would have to go to a third team.

This take fails to consider the roster construction after the fact. Our failures at the 1 and 5 were the reason we got bounced this year. Mike is a year older, Dilly is probably not starter worthy, DDV is not a 1, and we have no one else. Drafting a PG one year after trading up for Dilly would send a terrible message and seems doubtful. KD is a 3/4 which so happens to be what Jaden, Naz, and Randle happen to be. Consolidating cap into a position of strength while not addressing positions of weakness is a great way to become less successful.

I don’t see Dillingham as a future starter, so whether we keep him or not, I think we need to address that position longterm. Let’s say the deal is DDV, Dilly, Randle, and Minnott for Durant, and for the record, I think he gets traded for more than that. We draft Traore/Demin at 17 and Yang/Kalkbrenner at 31. If, big if, we can sign NAW/Naz, we have depth/youth at each position.

PG: Conley - Traore/Demin
SG: Ant - NAW (?) - Clark
SF: McDaniels - TSJ
PF: Durant - Naz
C: Gobert - Kalkbrenner/Yang

And even if NAW walks, which would be a blow, we have depth. And Durant is only a PF imo now. Naz, I like him as a sixth man. I wouldn't want him as my second option. And with his shaky defense and propensity to have complete dud games in the playoffs, not sure I love the idea of him as a starter on a championship team.

Yes because nothing screams NBA championship run like not one but two rotational rookies, 2 or more rotational sophomores, and the two guys who struggled last season (Mike and Rudy.) You remember how Denver went from a real threat to last years pushovers, they got younger but not better. Too much depth loss, not enough talent addition, and no real hope moving forward.

Trading Dlo for Mike meant losing the ability to work with the salary slot. It was the unsung casualty of that trade. To compensate we overpaid for Dilly. Now we are selling low on Dilly and betting the farm on playing even less consistent PG minutes. KD is a luxury we cannot afford. We badly need a legit starting PG and a legit backup C. If we move Rudy, then we need to retool and get a legit starting C and a legit backup C.

[Domejandro]

If we trade for Kevin Durant that team needs to be able to get to the finals and beat OKC, or it is not worth it and a waste of assets.
Also, we are not beating OKC with Rudy Gobert playing major minutes, their D is too good to win playing 4 on 5.

That means any trade for Durant needs to send out Randle and Gobert and either bring back a decent PG and C or leave us enough room to sign one, as well as having enough quality depth.

Trade Randle/Gobert in 3or 4 way trade for Durant and bring back player like Okongwu, use taxpayer MLE on Tyus Jones?

For what it is worth, the first sentence is semi-true. Ultimately, a Championship is the goal, but the honest truth is that this current squad probably isn't making the Western Conference Finals next season, barring luck. Anything that improves the roster to be a real contender is positive, even if the final result doesn't end up that way.

Minnesota would have roughly $11.2MM in space in the Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle for Kevin Durant swap, so some names that could make sense to trade for are...
Daniel Gafford ($14.3MM), Moritz Wagner ($11MM), Jonas Valančiūnas ($10.3MM), Walker Kessler, or Mark Williams (HUGE injury risk)

Viable Free-Agent Centers are...
Clint Capela, Steven Adams, Brook Lopez, Mo Wagner (Team Option), Al Horford, Andre Drummond (PO, would need to pay >$5MM), and yikes.

I think that trading Rudy Gobert without a strong contingency plan is a little scary, but Minnesota being able to remove protections from the 2029 FRP and offer swaps might be enough for Utah for Walker Kessler. Not fully confident about it, though, definitely feel safer about having Rudy Gobert as the starting Center to bolster Minnesota's defense.

[Domejandro]

Yes because nothing screams NBA championship run like not one but two rotational rookies, 2 or more rotational sophomores, and the two guys who struggled last season (Mike and Rudy.) You remember how Denver went from a real threat to last years pushovers, they got younger but not better. Too much depth loss, not enough talent addition, and no real hope moving forward.

Trading Dlo for Mike meant losing the ability to work with the salary slot. It was the unsung casualty of that trade. To compensate we overpaid for Dilly. Now we are selling low on Dilly and betting the farm on playing even less consistent PG minutes. KD is a luxury we cannot afford. We badly need a legit starting PG and a legit backup C. If we move Rudy, then we need to retool and get a legit starting C and a legit backup C.

Assume that Julius Randle picks up his Player-Option, what is your proposed pathway to accomplishing all of those things? Tyus Jones is equally viable in either scenario, so we will assume that he finds an offer elsewhere, Additionally, even if Minnesota keeps Rob Dillingham, there is a solid chance that he is a net-negative on the court. What is the realistic pathway to improving the team, or are you banking entierly on internal improvement? Keep in mind that, even if Naz Reid walks, Minnesota is a tax-paying team.

With Kevin Durant, you accomplish the goal of getting a real secondary scorer next to Anthony Edwards at a relatively affordable cost. Assuming Minnesota doesn't do that, what is the pathway to improving the following roster..?

Mike Conley / Rob Dillingham
Anthony Edwards / Donte DiVincenzo / Jaylen Clark
Jaden McDaniels / Terrence Shannon Jr.
Julius Randle (PO) / Leonard Miller
Rudy Gobert / Luka Garza (TO)

RFA: Josh Minott (could just pick-up his option)
FA: Naz Reid, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Joe Ingles
Picks: #17 and #31

I want a clear strategy for how Minnesota improves that roster in your view. Does Minnesota bring back all of their free-agents and go back into the Second Apron (I think that isn't a real strategy, you probably have to pick between Naz and NAW). What trade realistically exists for Julius Randle that improves the on-the-court product, or do you just run it back?

EDIT: To be clear, this isn't me being snarky, it's an honest question. I just think that Minnesota is in a massive treadmill limbo, and are probably better off consolidating a bit for a player like Kevin Durant (I don't think that we have the juice for anyone even remotely as talented, asset wise).