Kevin Durant

[Loaf_of_bread]

Ok, this needs it's own thread. There is quite a bit of division amongst fans regarding the value he could bring to the team, as well as what it would take to aquire him.

Zero interest here.

[winforlose]

Ok, this needs it's own thread. There is quite a bit of division amongst fans regarding the value he could bring to the team, as well as what it would take to aquire him.

Zero interest here.

It seems like the board falls in one of 3 camps.

1. I don’t want KD.

2. I want KD to try and contend.

3, I want KD but realize we probably won’t contend.

I don’t love how this roster was constructed, I see issues going forward, and I have concerns about how deep the owners are willing to dig into their pockets. All of that being true. Naz, Jaden, DDV, and the young guys seem like enough fire power to put around Ant in two years. We will need to see who develops, draft well, and make some other moves, but I am not of the mindset where trying to rush the process is gonna improve it. Especially with a player like KD whose age and contract expiration supercharge the risk. KD is not someone who guarantees a WCF finals appearance, much less a chip. Short of that I don’t see how moving key players and assets and compromising our depth and limited youth is a positive.

[MN7725]

KD's salary is basically what KAT makes, albeit 1 yr+ PO shorter contract than KAT, so I don't think Wolves are serious about getting him

probably just making a show of it since KD is ANT's idol

[MN7725]

Ok, this needs it's own thread. There is quite a bit of division amongst fans regarding the value he could bring to the team, as well as what it would take to aquire him.

Zero interest here.

It seems like the board falls in one of 3 camps.

1. I don’t want KD.

2. I want KD to try and contend.

3, I want KD but realize we probably won’t contend.

I don’t love how this roster was constructed, I see issues going forward, and I have concerns about how deep the owners are willing to dig into their pockets. All of that being true. Naz, Jaden, DDV, and the young guys seem like enough fire power to put around Ant in two years. We will need to see who develops, draft well, and make some other moves, but I am not of the mindset where trying to rush the process is gonna improve it. Especially with a player like KD whose age and contract expiration supercharge the risk. KD is not someone who guarantees a WCF finals appearance, much less a chip. Short of that I don’t see how moving key players and assets and compromising our depth and limited youth is a positive.

most people still consider Durant a top 10 player in the league (usually in the 8-10 range), curious where you would put him ?

[Loaf_of_bread]

Ok, this needs it's own thread. There is quite a bit of division amongst fans regarding the value he could bring to the team, as well as what it would take to aquire him.

Zero interest here.

It seems like the board falls in one of 3 camps.

1. I don’t want KD.

2. I want KD to try and contend.

3, I want KD but realize we probably won’t contend.

I don’t love how this roster was constructed, I see issues going forward, and I have concerns about how deep the owners are willing to dig into their pockets. All of that being true. Naz, Jaden, DDV, and the young guys seem like enough fire power to put around Ant in two years. We will need to see who develops, draft well, and make some other moves, but I am not of the mindset where trying to rush the process is gonna improve it. Especially with a player like KD whose age and contract expiration supercharge the risk. KD is not someone who guarantees a WCF finals appearance, much less a chip. Short of that I don’t see how moving key players and assets and compromising our depth and limited youth is a positive.

From what I read, those in the #3 camp think he may be able to mentor in a way that would eventually lead toward contending..

[winforlose]

Ok, this needs it's own thread. There is quite a bit of division amongst fans regarding the value he could bring to the team, as well as what it would take to aquire him.

Zero interest here.

It seems like the board falls in one of 3 camps.

1. I don’t want KD.

2. I want KD to try and contend.

3, I want KD but realize we probably won’t contend.

I don’t love how this roster was constructed, I see issues going forward, and I have concerns about how deep the owners are willing to dig into their pockets. All of that being true. Naz, Jaden, DDV, and the young guys seem like enough fire power to put around Ant in two years. We will need to see who develops, draft well, and make some other moves, but I am not of the mindset where trying to rush the process is gonna improve it. Especially with a player like KD whose age and contract expiration supercharge the risk. KD is not someone who guarantees a WCF finals appearance, much less a chip. Short of that I don’t see how moving key players and assets and compromising our depth and limited youth is a positive.

most people still consider Durant a top 10 player in the league (usually in the 8-10 range), curious where you would put him ?

Probably 20-25. But even if he was top 10 this year, that is no guarantee he will be next year. Want proof? What was Mike Conley in 23/24? What is he now? When you are on the wrong side of 35 you become a higher risk player. When you make 54 million and miss an average of 20% of your games, that makes you very high risk. When you are also expiring, and the team acquiring you has precious few trade assets to move, that makes you TOO high risk.

My question for you. Where is Devin Booker in overall ranking? Where is Bradley Beal? How do they compare to our #2 and #3. Or if Booker is the Suns #1 then compare to Ant and our #3.

Finally, let’s look long term. If we have to gut the team to get KD then we are on a 1-3 year clock before we lose KD. What happens afterward? How do we backfill the talent that we lose that could have been extremely useful when we get to that post KD era?

[winforlose]

Ok, this needs it's own thread. There is quite a bit of division amongst fans regarding the value he could bring to the team, as well as what it would take to aquire him.

Zero interest here.

It seems like the board falls in one of 3 camps.

1. I don’t want KD.

2. I want KD to try and contend.

3, I want KD but realize we probably won’t contend.

I don’t love how this roster was constructed, I see issues going forward, and I have concerns about how deep the owners are willing to dig into their pockets. All of that being true. Naz, Jaden, DDV, and the young guys seem like enough fire power to put around Ant in two years. We will need to see who develops, draft well, and make some other moves, but I am not of the mindset where trying to rush the process is gonna improve it. Especially with a player like KD whose age and contract expiration supercharge the risk. KD is not someone who guarantees a WCF finals appearance, much less a chip. Short of that I don’t see how moving key players and assets and compromising our depth and limited youth is a positive.

From what I read, those in the #3 camp think he may be able to mentor in a way that would eventually lead toward contending..

Maybe so. But the question is contending for who? Because if KD has one lesson to teach, it isn’t to lead a team to greatness, it is to leave for the best team that will take you and let them do most of the work.

[Dalvin]

If we get KD without giving up any core piece or good rookies, sure. Don't know how that would be possible though.
Anything else, I would pass.

[winforlose]

If we get KD without giving up any core piece or good rookies, sure. Don't know how that would be possible though.
Anything else, I would pass.

That is easy to say, but almost impossible to do. Can you give an example of what you would trade for him? Also keep in mind the 2nd apron hard cap and the need to sign both Naz and NAW to new deals.

[MN7725]

If we get KD without giving up any core piece or good rookies, sure. Don't know how that would be possible though.
Anything else, I would pass.

KD's salary means Gobert or Randle/Jaden level salary would have to be heading out

[MN7725]

It seems like the board falls in one of 3 camps.

1. I don’t want KD.

2. I want KD to try and contend.

3, I want KD but realize we probably won’t contend.

I don’t love how this roster was constructed, I see issues going forward, and I have concerns about how deep the owners are willing to dig into their pockets. All of that being true. Naz, Jaden, DDV, and the young guys seem like enough fire power to put around Ant in two years. We will need to see who develops, draft well, and make some other moves, but I am not of the mindset where trying to rush the process is gonna improve it. Especially with a player like KD whose age and contract expiration supercharge the risk. KD is not someone who guarantees a WCF finals appearance, much less a chip. Short of that I don’t see how moving key players and assets and compromising our depth and limited youth is a positive.

most people still consider Durant a top 10 player in the league (usually in the 8-10 range), curious where you would put him ?

Probably 20-25. But even if he was top 10 this year, that is no guarantee he will be next year. Want proof? What was Mike Conley in 23/24? What is he now? When you are on the wrong side of 35 you become a higher risk player. When you make 54 million and miss an average of 20% of your games, that makes you very high risk. When you are also expiring, and the team acquiring you has precious few trade assets to move, that makes you TOO high risk.

My question for you. Where is Devin Booker in overall ranking? Where is Bradley Beal? How do they compare to our #2 and #3. Or if Booker is the Suns #1 then compare to Ant and our #3.

Finally, let’s look long term. If we have to gut the team to get KD then we are on a 1-3 year clock before we lose KD. What happens afterward? How do we backfill the talent that we lose that could have been extremely useful when we get to that post KD era?

I think KD will make a 3rd team All-NBA (top 15)

Booker won't, but he's still top 25. Beal's probably closer to 50.

But yes, sending out too much would basically turn Wolves into the Suns, too imbalanced

if it took like Randle/Jaden/Rob/Det pick as the big pieces (I think other teams would beat that), then the Wolves would be stronger team


Again, I think this is essentially a fake news story to please ANT

[younggunsmn]

Please NO.

The shelf life on him being an elite player is short and getting shorter.
Plus he loses interest in franchises and teammates quicker than a Kardashian loses interest in her new handbag.

If Phoenix is willing to take on garbage like Randle or Gobert's contracts, sure I'd take him.
But we shouldn't give up a single young player or draft asset for him.

Growing the core of talented 25 and under players we have now should be our focus moving forward.
Let some other desperate franchise open up the can of stupid and trade the farm for him.

[minimus]

Personally, I am riding a wave of euphoria after the OKC win and Clark signing, and have some optimism after our smallball unit showed a lot of promise both as a group and individually - McDaniels at PF, Clark at PoA, Naz at five-out bigman, TJ at wing, etc. I also expect Gobert, DDV and Randle to return and hope our "easy" schedule will help build some chemistry before the playoffs. And of course I want MIN to make a deep playoff run this year. But this is a dynamic that will be constantly changing until the offseason and during the offseason as well. Gobert's back problems are worrisome, Randle's contract situation is worrisome, despite all the recent heroics, MIN is still a 50% winning team, and the West Conference is still a bloody hell. Same dynamic with KD and PHO. I am certainly a big fan of bringing KD here for basketball reasons, but it is financial and asset management things that are more concerning because of the new CBA. Bringing in another superstar, even an aging one like KD, is still a shortcut to winning games. Look at the Butler to GSW trade, I dont like Jimmy as a person, but he contributes to GSW winning in a very big way. Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson and a protected first round pick for KD? Are you kidding me? I would pay that price in a heartbeat. Basketball wise, oh God, I want to see a Reid-McDaniels-KD frontcourt with Edwards.

So I would keep my eyes on the KD situation and hope TC wont hesitate if MIN have a chance.

[Mattya]

If we get KD without giving up any core piece or good rookies, sure. Don't know how that would be possible though.
Anything else, I would pass.

KD's salary means Gobert or Randle/Jaden level salary would have to be heading out

Randle is definitely not a core piece.

[Dalvin]

If we get KD without giving up any core piece or good rookies, sure. Don't know how that would be possible though.
Anything else, I would pass.

That is easy to say, but almost impossible to do. Can you give an example of what you would trade for him? Also keep in mind the 2nd apron hard cap and the need to sign both Naz and NAW to new deals.

Yeah, I know there's not a feasible deal to be had here for me. Starting point would be Randle, but I don't know how that'll entice Phoenix without the obvious core pieces of Ant/McD/Naz. I'm not even sure I would be for it if Rudy gets traded for KD. So I would really pass on KD. It's just not worthwhile for both teams.

[Dalvin]

If we get KD without giving up any core piece or good rookies, sure. Don't know how that would be possible though.
Anything else, I would pass.

KD's salary means Gobert or Randle/Jaden level salary would have to be heading out

Randle is definitely not a core piece.

Yeah, like what I said to winforlose. I'd rather pass.

Unless they agree to something like Randle + Garza + Minnott + whatever picks we can still send and us for some reason becoming under the 2nd apron to be able to make it possible to aggregate salaries.

[shrink]

KD is not someone who guarantees a WCF finals appearance, much less a chip. Short of that I don’t see how moving key players and assets and compromising our depth and limited youth is a positive.

most people still consider Durant a top 10 player in the league (usually in the 8-10 range), curious where you would put him ?

Probably 20-25. But even if he was top 10 this year, that is no guarantee he will be next year. Want proof? What was Mike Conley in 23/24? What is he now? When you are on the wrong side of 35 you become a higher risk player. When you make 54 million and miss an average of 20% of your games, that makes you very high risk. When you are also expiring, and the team acquiring you has precious few trade assets to move, that makes you TOO high risk.

I am not sold on Durant either, but I think you have constructed logical fallacies to support your position.

You are fixated on the question, “Does Durant guarantee a WCF finals appearance?” and have posted it many times. Of course, the answer is no. But does trading for any player GUARANTEE one? Of course not.

And does NOT trading for Durant and keeping our good to mediocre players GUARANTEE one? Of course not.

And yes, players get older and decline, and there is no GUARANTEE. But why compare KD at 36 to Mike Conley? Why not compare him to LeBron at 36, who is a similar caliber player who has had a similar role? He’s 40, and his age 36-40 seasons have been All NBA. Lately we have seen some elite players be terrific far longer than expected.

In the NBA, there aren’t any guarantees about the future, yet you have made that your requirement to justify a KD trade, and that’s not a fair standard.

[winforlose]

most people still consider Durant a top 10 player in the league (usually in the 8-10 range), curious where you would put him ?

Probably 20-25. But even if he was top 10 this year, that is no guarantee he will be next year. Want proof? What was Mike Conley in 23/24? What is he now? When you are on the wrong side of 35 you become a higher risk player. When you make 54 million and miss an average of 20% of your games, that makes you very high risk. When you are also expiring, and the team acquiring you has precious few trade assets to move, that makes you TOO high risk.

I am not sold on Durant either, but I think you have constructed logical fallacies to support your position.

You are fixated on the question, “Does Durant guarantee a WCF finals appearance?” and have posted it many times. Of course, the answer is no. But does trading for any player GUARANTEE one? Of course not.

And does NOT trading for Durant and keeping our good to mediocre players GUARANTEE one? Of course not.

And yes, players get older and decline, and there is no GUARANTEE. But why compare KD at 36 to Mike Conley? Why not compare him to LeBron at 36, who is a similar caliber player who has had a similar role? He’s 40, and his age 36-40 seasons have been All NBA. Lately we have seen some elite players be terrific far longer than expected.

In the NBA, there aren’t any guarantees about the future, yet you have made that your requirement to justify a KD trade, and that’s not a fair standard.

1. About a guarantee, my point is the uncertainty. KD is expiring. He can leave for nothing. If we do poorly or don’t pay his supermax at 38 or 39 then all of this could be a one year rental. I am not comfortable with this level of risk for such a low likelihood of reward. Especially considering that having Ant/Jaden/Naz/and KD would essentially force small ball and would make it very hard to have a proper second unit.

2. Lebron is the most extreme outlier. Nobody ages like LeBron. Conley is the more common story. You might counter with CP3 and I raise you a Westbrook. Paul George is only 34 and already a negative asset. Everything in this conversation is risk/reward, and KD at 37 is a high risk.

[shrink]

For the record, this year, his age 36 seasons have, Durant is

#6 MPG 36.8
#6 PPG 26.9
#18 TS% .638
#15 BPG 1.5

He’s a top 10 NBA player, even stuck in PHX. He’s not dead yet.

[shrink]

Probably 20-25. But even if he was top 10 this year, that is no guarantee he will be next year. Want proof? What was Mike Conley in 23/24? What is he now? When you are on the wrong side of 35 you become a higher risk player. When you make 54 million and miss an average of 20% of your games, that makes you very high risk. When you are also expiring, and the team acquiring you has precious few trade assets to move, that makes you TOO high risk.

I am not sold on Durant either, but I think you have constructed logical fallacies to support your position.

You are fixated on the question, “Does Durant guarantee a WCF finals appearance?” and have posted it many times. Of course, the answer is no. But does trading for any player GUARANTEE one? Of course not.

And does NOT trading for Durant and keeping our good to mediocre players GUARANTEE one? Of course not.

And yes, players get older and decline, and there is no GUARANTEE. But why compare KD at 36 to Mike Conley? Why not compare him to LeBron at 36, who is a similar caliber player who has had a similar role? He’s 40, and his age 36-40 seasons have been All NBA. Lately we have seen some elite players be terrific far longer than expected.

In the NBA, there aren’t any guarantees about the future, yet you have made that your requirement to justify a KD trade, and that’s not a fair standard.

1. About a guarantee, my point is the uncertainty. KD is expiring. He can leave for nothing. If we do poorly or don’t pay his supermax at 38 or 39 then all of this could be a one year rental. I am not comfortable with this level of risk for such a low likelihood of reward. Especially considering that having Ant/Jaden/Naz/and KD would essentially force small ball and would make it very hard to have a proper second unit.

2. Lebron is the most extreme outlier. Nobody ages like LeBron. Conley is the more common story. You might counter with CP3 and I raise you a Westbrook. Paul George is only 34 and already a negative asset. Everything in this conversation is risk/reward, and KD at 37 is a high risk.

If you demand certainty and guarantees, then you are watching the wrong sport, my friend.

It is especially unfair to use certainty as the yardstick to eliminate possibilities.