Suns Would Seek Multiple Firsts, Young Player While Getting Under 2nd Apron In Kevin Durant Trade

[RealGM Wiretap]

The Phoenix Suns consider regaining three first round picks and a young player while getting under the second apron as an ideal trade package for Kevin Durant, sources tell Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. Durant is owed $54.7 million next season on an expiring contract. 

The Suns ideally could take back $35 million in salary in any combination of players to save essentially $20 million and get under the second apron.

The Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs have the requisite draft picks to acquire Durant. The Rockets own the Suns' 2027 first round pick.

After the Suns shopped Durant ahead of the deadline without his knowledge, a trade this offseason is widely expected. The Suns acquired Durant at the trade deadline in 2023 in a deal with the Brooklyn Nets.

Via Duane Rankin/Arizona Republic

[Pickled Prunes]

I think PHX should temper their expectations. He's old, on an expiring deal and wants out. He'll probably get to pick his destination and won't want his new team to get fleeced before he arrives.

[The Beam King]

I think PHX should temper their expectations. He's old, on an expiring deal and wants out. He'll probably get to pick his destination and won't want his new team to get fleeced before he arrives.

No team with space is gonna want him. It'll just be teams who see him as the last piece. They probably don't have a lot of picks or at least good ones. They are probably on the same pascals Phoenix is on now.

How many contenders are below the 1st apron? Okc, Houston because all their youngins hit their peaks early. That will change and I don't see either of them wanting Durant. I also don't see them mortgages the farm either.

[eitanr]

Really feels like Jalen Green and multiple firsts from Houston is going to be the construct

[Pickled Prunes]

I think PHX should temper their expectations. He's old, on an expiring deal and wants out. He'll probably get to pick his destination and won't want his new team to get fleeced before he arrives.

No team with space is gonna want him. It'll just be teams who see him as the last piece. They probably don't have a lot of picks or at least good ones. They are probably on the same pascals Phoenix is on now.

How many contenders are below the 1st apron? Okc, Houston because all their youngins hit their peaks early. That will change and I don't see either of them wanting Durant. I also don't see them mortgages the farm either.

Mostly agree. I think HOU would want him, but I don't think they are a contender (yet) with or without KD. I think they are better off waiting.

It's hard to see it with a true contender because they have to match salary without giving up more than one key player. And as you say, they are usually asset poor. Its that slim group of teams that he pushes into contention with the trade. I already made one Suns fan mad with this, but I like the KD to MIN for Randle & change for both teams. I like KD to DET to at least get them through a couple rounds in the East. How about KD for Siakam, straight up? For OG & scraps? For LaVine... OK, that might be a bit desperate!

[niha17]

That asking price is comical

[IliketheBullsNBearstoo]

Gtfoh