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When the Phoenix Suns engaged in trade discussions involving Kevin Durant at the trade deadline, they were reportedly looking for a massive haul in return. That, combined with Durant not wanting to be traded in-season, were the reasons Phoenix didn't make a trade.

However, those conversations likely set the stage for a trade this summer. The Suns are still looking for a major return for Durant, but may need to settle for less. Durant is likely to want to play for a contender, and most contenders are carrying a lot of salary. That can make it difficult for Phoenix to find a trade partner in a deal, as trades between teams dealing with the tax aprons can be tricky.

That could lead the Suns to turning from a package of win-now players and draft capital to one that provides Phoenix with much needed salary and roster flexibility. Also potential limiting the return is that Durant is 37 years old and may be looking for a two-year extension worth as much as $120 million.

Via Brian Windhorst/ESPN

I am in the market for Sydney Sweeney, just don't tell my wife!

He’s old and not a winner. Not happening. His last two stops have been disasters despite playing with other stars.

Let the Suns keep him then. See how that goes.

Whoever trades for him is going to regret it. Just ask Brooklyn and Phoenix.

Massive haul? Maybe destroying the next young team.. phoenix were on track but they gave away their core.

The Suns are in their final countdown stage. KD isn't going to command what they think. Devin isn't that guy; he's a solid third or second option guy. Since the owner can't fire himself, he's going to fire the coach (which isn't a surprise) or the GM.

fuller4379 wrote:Whoever trades for him is going to regret it. Just ask Brooklyn and Phoenix.

At this stage of his career KD is a 2nd or 3rd option player with a young core, i.e., the Spurs.

New management is destroying these teams… shouldn’t have gotten Beal. Made no basketball sense.

IliketheBullsNBearstoo wrote:Let the Suns keep him then. See how that goes.

That said, I'm sure a team will offer something at least kinda good. KD can score and shoot 3s and he's on an expiring deal and he's a win in 25-26 player in the right situation. An aging team wanting to make a run is possible. Maybe Philly, if they can get healthy for next season or Golden State and I know KD discouraged a trade there this season, but he said the off season is different and he'd be open to it. Not sure who else makes sense.

The trick would be to get 2 teams to bid against each other, or the illusion of that, and if it makes salary sense, the Suns could do OK.

fuller4379 wrote:Whoever trades for him is going to regret it. Just ask Brooklyn and Phoenix.

As a Knicks fan, I have no love for the Nyets. In fact, I'd love it if Brooklyn has a losing streak that stretches until 2500. But if Kyrie doesn't land on Giannis' foot, the Nets had a shot at winning it all that year. They were the only team to take the Bucks to 7 games. I don't think KD was bad for them. Harden couldn't shoot but he shot a ton of 3s anyway and Kyrie was crazy during covid. I think KD was the steadiest of their big 3.

and it's not KD's faut that Phoenix messed up with Beal. He is 37 and he doesn't play defense anymore, so you get what you get, but I think he's still a good player.

So in other words, they want their old team back, LOL

Should have never broken up your championship team smh

Luv those Knicks wrote:

fuller4379 wrote:Whoever trades for him is going to regret it. Just ask Brooklyn and Phoenix.

As a Knicks fan, I have no love for the Nyets. In fact, I'd love it if Brooklyn has a losing streak that stretches until 2500. But if Kyrie doesn't land on Giannis' foot, the Nets had a shot at winning it all that year. They were the only team to take the Bucks to 7 games. I don't think KD was bad for them. Harden couldn't shoot but he shot a ton of 3s anyway and Kyrie was crazy during covid. I think KD was the steadiest of their big 3.

and it's not KD's faut that Phoenix messed up with Beal. He is 37 and he doesn't play defense anymore, so you get what you get, but I think he's still a good player.

people love to yap and echo chamber each other on the internet. im sure the guy doesnt know better and dont actually follow the nba that closely. they just keep on firing up those narratives in hopes that someone gives them an and1. ridiculous

KD left the Warriors to prove that he was the man of that historical Warriors team, not Curry. Instead, all he proved is that Curry was, and is the man, not him. Sad.

Is anybody really going to offer a haul for a guy that's going to cost $60m and is at the tail end of his career?

They should trade Bradley Beal first.
See what his return is before moving KD.

NoStatsGuy wrote:

Luv those Knicks wrote:

fuller4379 wrote:Whoever trades for him is going to regret it. Just ask Brooklyn and Phoenix.

As a Knicks fan, I have no love for the Nyets. In fact, I'd love it if Brooklyn has a losing streak that stretches until 2500. But if Kyrie doesn't land on Giannis' foot, the Nets had a shot at winning it all that year. They were the only team to take the Bucks to 7 games. I don't think KD was bad for them. Harden couldn't shoot but he shot a ton of 3s anyway and Kyrie was crazy during covid. I think KD was the steadiest of their big 3.

and it's not KD's faut that Phoenix messed up with Beal. He is 37 and he doesn't play defense anymore, so you get what you get, but I think he's still a good player.

people love to yap and echo chamber each other on the internet. im sure the guy doesnt know better and dont actually follow the nba that closely. they just keep on firing up those narratives in hopes that someone gives them an and1. ridiculous

I assumed he was a nets fan, or maybe a Phoenix fan, but either way. I don't have a dog in this fight, and I know KD is getting long in the tooth, but I still think he's a good player who can help a team win.

The NBA today is as much about salary and team chemistry as it is about talent, so this could go a lot of ways, but a pretty good return and a team going in to win 25-26 wouldn't surprise me. The Warriors make sense, though I don't know if they have the salary to make the trade work. Would LA, with almost ageless Lebron add another scorer? Do they have the players to make the trade work?

I don't know, but I think it's an interesting off-season story. I'm sure Phoenix would love to trade him and the "We want a good return" is just bluster, but they could still get something. Their draft situation is a mess though. They're not in a good situation to even start tanking. That's rough.

https://fanspo.com/nba/teams/Suns/24/draft-picks

DoItALL9 wrote:They should trade Bradley Beal first.
See what his return is before moving KD.

Trade one of the most overpaid players in the NBA, who has a no trade clause. That should be fun.

At least Durant is still a top scorer and on an expiring contract. A team could shoot for 25-26, then have cap space that off-season. It's workable, even if he's no longer a top 4 player getting a top 4 salary.

Why all the KD hate? He didn’t f up Brooklyn - that was Kyrie not bothering to get vaccinated and worrying about his next contract, which disgusted Hardin enough for him to move on.

Suns looking or expecting and reality are two VASTLY different things. Ishbia is a damned fool if he thinks he's going to get even half back of what it took to get him in the first place.