Spurs could be scary with KD.

[ConSarnit]

you tell KD he doesn’t get roster input.

There is no reason to think Durant will accept this given his behavior this decade.

Sure there is. His name is Pop and he’s far more respected than any of the GM’s KD has played for recently. Would KD cede power? I don’t know. But if he did it would be under someone like Pop or Riley. If he wants to go to the Spurs (as reported) he might have to make concessions given the structure and proven history of the organization.

[sp6r=underrated]

Just on record as saying it won't go well if they trade for him. Dude is a cancer.

On one hand I agree, on the other hand I'd want Wemby to see how he practices.

One of the reasons I don't want San Antonio to get Wemby is I don't want him around Durant.

[sp6r=underrated]

you tell KD he doesn’t get roster input.

There is no reason to think Durant will accept this given his behavior this decade.

Sure there is. His name is Pop and he’s far more respected than any of the GM’s KD has played for recently. Would KD cede power? I don’t know. But if he did it would be under someone like Pop or Riley. If he wants to go to the Spurs (as reported) he might have to make concessions given the structure and proven history of the organization.

This is a guy who this decade requested his team fire the GM/Coach, they did so, and when the team struggled instantly demanded a trade.

If you're assuming he'll change now you're basically assuming long-standing personality traits will change or you have a 2k mindset where this stuff doesn't matter.

[NoDopeOnSundays]

Just on record as saying it won't go well if they trade for him. Dude is a cancer.

On one hand I agree, on the other hand I'd want Wemby to see how he practices.

One of the reasons I don't want San Antonio to get Wemby is I don't want him around Durant.

You don't want him around because he's a cancer, or you don't want Wemby to learn the effective dark arts of the slenderman mid-range game?

[ball_takes23]

Think about how many teams would be better if they added KD as their #2. I am talking about giving up Barnes/Vassell/14 for KD. That is a massive upgrade that retains the vast majority of the Spurs' assets for a future move (if one presents itself).

I'm sorry, but there is no way Phoenix -- a team that does not control its first-round picks until 2031 -- is going into a rebuild by trading Kevin Durant for a player who is best suited as a sixth man (Devin Vassell), a spare part (Harrison Barnes) and only one first-round pick (No. 14 overall, 2025). I can see Phoenix taking those assets back for Bradley Beal, but not for Durant, who is still one of the top players in the game.

Here is a more realistic trade:

San Antonio gets: Kevin Durant and Cody Martin
Phoenix gets: De'Aaron Fox, Jeremy Sochan, No. 14 pick in 2025, Atlanta's 2027 unconditional first-round pick and the better of the 2030 first-round pick swaps between Dallas and Minnesota.

Phoenix almost certainly will ask San Antonio for Fox in a Durant trade, and San Antonio gladly will trade him. Phoenix desperately needs a point guard to pair with Devin Booker, and the emergence of NBA Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle as the Spurs' point guard makes Fox redundant. Like Durant, Fox has only one more year on his current deal; the trade puts Phoenix on the clock to re-sign him. San Antonio still maintains a lot of its future first-round draft pick capital while adding a major scorer and closer that will keep teams honest.

Kevin Durant is 37 years old and on an expiring contract... The Spurs are not trading Fox and 3 first round picks for him, period.

If that's the asking price, the Spurs hangup and go about their day. KD needs the Spurs, the Spurs do not need KD.

Nico Harrison runs a team in Texas but it's not the Spurs lmaooooooo

not to mention Fox is also an expiring contract and theres zero chance he would sign an extension with that dumpster fire of a franchise in Phx, especially after he already asked out of Sacramento.

[sp6r=underrated]

On one hand I agree, on the other hand I'd want Wemby to see how he practices.

One of the reasons I don't want San Antonio to get Wemby is I don't want him around Durant.

You don't want him around because he's a cancer, or you don't want Wemby to learn the effective dark arts of the slenderman mid-range game?

The former, I think Durant is an extremely accomplished but has a lousy attitude. And given that his accomplishments are very genuine I think he could be a negative influence.

[NoDopeOnSundays]

One of the reasons I don't want San Antonio to get Wemby is I don't want him around Durant.

You don't want him around because he's a cancer, or you don't want Wemby to learn the effective dark arts of the slenderman mid-range game?

The former, I think Durant is an extremely accomplished but has a lousy attitude. And given that his accomplishments are very genuine I think he could be a negative influence.

I don't think there's anything he can do to taint who Wemby is. We're talking about a young man that cut his hair and is with Shaolin monks right now and I'm not even joking.

Read on Twitter

[G R E Y]

There is no reason to think Durant will accept this given his behavior this decade.

Sure there is. His name is Pop and he’s far more respected than any of the GM’s KD has played for recently. Would KD cede power? I don’t know. But if he did it would be under someone like Pop or Riley. If he wants to go to the Spurs (as reported) he might have to make concessions given the structure and proven history of the organization.

This is a guy who this decade requested his team fire the GM/Coach, they did so, and when the team struggled instantly demanded a trade.

If you're assuming he'll change now you're basically assuming long-standing personality traits will change or you have a 2k mindset where this stuff doesn't matter.

Well he either agrees to buy in and plays for us, or doesn't and doesn't. That KD wants Spurs as at least one of the teams being considered, and let's say Rockets, there's no moving a coach out for KD in either scenario, no building around him in either scenario either.

I'm sure a wise FO works with a player ie/ like when we promised CP3 he'd start every game and he did. And I'm sure KD is wise enough to acknowledge that PATFO won't allow shenanigans or requests that are not in the team's best interest. It may be the case that KD, whose game Wemby admires and with whom there's mutual respect, can in fact do better in a better team setting.

CP3 spoke glowingly about our tight locker room and culture. How well he was treated and how it's not like that everywhere.

KD may like a system designed for easier buckets, for freedom to score his unique way within our team concept.

[jkvonny]

You don't want him around because he's a cancer, or you don't want Wemby to learn the effective dark arts of the slenderman mid-range game?

The former, I think Durant is an extremely accomplished but has a lousy attitude. And given that his accomplishments are very genuine I think he could be a negative influence.

I don't think there's anything he can do to taint who Wemby is. We're talking about a young man that cut his hair and is with Shaolin monks right now and I'm not even joking.

Read on Twitter

Lol


https://youtu.be/pJk0p-98Xzc?si=ylbS8yuXIpp2-7nU

[Ugly0598]

I’d stay the course and keep building around youth just like OKC did. Going all in on someone like Durant makes no sense, you don’t mortgage the future for a fading star just to chase a short-term run. He’s not that guy anymore. Age and injuries have turned him into a volume scorer like mid career Melo. Buckets, but no impact on winning.

Trading for him now would just drain assets and stall Wemby’s timeline. Let him grow, stack talent, and go for it in a few years when he's ready. No need to follow the same failed blueprint other teams used trying to squeeze one last run out of Durant. He's got no runs left unless he's coming off the bench.

This is crazy talk.

Players in 2025 who averaged 25+ PPG on 64+ TS%:

Nikola Jokic
KD

But sure, he’s just a “bench guy”

He's like a late prime Carmelo Anthony, a prime Beal, Demar or Trae. He'll give you numbers, but they're empty. At least Trae gives you a ton of assists too. There's a bunch of guys scoring points in the league, but you're not going to win anything with most of them. He doesn't do anything else anymore. He's not a good defender anymore, he's not a great playmaker, he's not a leader or locker room guy. He doesn't give you anything but points and points are a dime a dozen today. He'll score a ton while you're losing like all the other guys.

It's difficult to find value in a league with a lot of scoring, and a lack of defense. I sort of think the same about Durant at 37.

[Daddy 801]

The reason you don’t do this is you want it to be Wembys team. He needs to be the man. If Durant can be bought for Pennie’s you might do it. Besides that….nah. Just draft Harper and whomever and call it a day.

[eric365]

Think about how many teams would be better if they added KD as their #2. I am talking about giving up Barnes/Vassell/14 for KD. That is a massive upgrade that retains the vast majority of the Spurs' assets for a future move (if one presents itself).

I'm sorry, but there is no way Phoenix -- a team that does not control its first-round picks until 2031 -- is going into a rebuild by trading Kevin Durant for a player who is best suited as a sixth man (Devin Vassell), a spare part (Harrison Barnes) and only one first-round pick (No. 14 overall, 2025). I can see Phoenix taking those assets back for Bradley Beal, but not for Durant, who is still one of the top players in the game.

Here is a more realistic trade:

San Antonio gets: Kevin Durant and Cody Martin
Phoenix gets: De'Aaron Fox, Jeremy Sochan, No. 14 pick in 2025, Atlanta's 2027 unconditional first-round pick and the better of the 2030 first-round pick swaps between Dallas and Minnesota.

Phoenix almost certainly will ask San Antonio for Fox in a Durant trade, and San Antonio gladly will trade him. Phoenix desperately needs a point guard to pair with Devin Booker, and the emergence of NBA Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle as the Spurs' point guard makes Fox redundant. Like Durant, Fox has only one more year on his current deal; the trade puts Phoenix on the clock to re-sign him. San Antonio still maintains a lot of its future first-round draft pick capital while adding a major scorer and closer that will keep teams honest.

Beal is one of the worst contract in the league. The suns will have to give up assets, not the other way around

Spurs won’t give up much more than #14, Vassell and barnes. Maybe another first round pick and some second round picks. If it’s not enough, they will end the discussion

The Fox deal showed that the spurs will only do trade at a good price. They have no pressure to move

Durant is the 2nd all star (after Fox) asking for the spurs with only 1 year left on his contract if the reports are true
There will be a 3rd all star asking for the spurs in the years to come. And a 4th and a 5th etc as long as Wemby is healthy

[durden_tyler]

To be fair, " 'X Team' could be scary with KD." holds true most of the time.

[Ritzo]

KD is a franchise killer at this point, I'd rather want Booker/Wemby combo

[Blame Rasho]

Think about how many teams would be better if they added KD as their #2. I am talking about giving up Barnes/Vassell/14 for KD. That is a massive upgrade that retains the vast majority of the Spurs' assets for a future move (if one presents itself).

I'm sorry, but there is no way Phoenix -- a team that does not control its first-round picks until 2031 -- is going into a rebuild by trading Kevin Durant for a player who is best suited as a sixth man (Devin Vassell), a spare part (Harrison Barnes) and only one first-round pick (No. 14 overall, 2025). I can see Phoenix taking those assets back for Bradley Beal, but not for Durant, who is still one of the top players in the game.

Here is a more realistic trade:

San Antonio gets: Kevin Durant and Cody Martin
Phoenix gets: De'Aaron Fox, Jeremy Sochan, No. 14 pick in 2025, Atlanta's 2027 unconditional first-round pick and the better of the 2030 first-round pick swaps between Dallas and Minnesota.

Phoenix almost certainly will ask San Antonio for Fox in a Durant trade, and San Antonio gladly will trade him. Phoenix desperately needs a point guard to pair with Devin Booker, and the emergence of NBA Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle as the Spurs' point guard makes Fox redundant. Like Durant, Fox has only one more year on his current deal; the trade puts Phoenix on the clock to re-sign him. San Antonio still maintains a lot of its future first-round draft pick capital while adding a major scorer and closer that will keep teams honest.

The Spurs have not done a stupid trades like the one you are proposing. They waited and waited to get the fair deal with Fox. The suns are not in a position to dictate terms. Just because the Suns needs things because of previously failed trades, it doesn’t mean they get what they want. Look at the trades your GM has done. The Spurs will gladly trade Fox? No. You are mistaken. The trade proposed trade is likely vassel, Barnes and 14th pick and fillers.

[Wingy]

you tell KD he doesn’t get roster input.

There is no reason to think Durant will accept this given his behavior this decade.

Sure there is. His name is Pop and he’s far more respected than any of the GM’s KD has played for recently. Would KD cede power? I don’t know. But if he did it would be under someone like Pop or Riley. If he wants to go to the Spurs (as reported) he might have to make concessions given the structure and proven history of the organization.

Pop is a living legend, but I’m not sure any 37 year old with Durant’s track record gives a damn about a 76 year old with failing health no matter how legendary.

As an NBA fan hoping for a healthy future for the league…keep Durant away from the Spurs, please.

[G R E Y]

There is no reason to think Durant will accept this given his behavior this decade.

Sure there is. His name is Pop and he’s far more respected than any of the GM’s KD has played for recently. Would KD cede power? I don’t know. But if he did it would be under someone like Pop or Riley. If he wants to go to the Spurs (as reported) he might have to make concessions given the structure and proven history of the organization.

Pop is a living legend, but I’m not sure any 37 year old with Durant’s track record gives a damn about a 76 year old with failing health no matter how legendary.

As an NBA fan hoping for a healthy future for the league…keep Durant away from the Spurs, please.

Played for Pop and took the hard ass coaching at the Olympics. KD forever has my gratitude and respect for committing, keeping his commitment, and flat our balling for the Gold. This was like a 46 year journey for Pop, so incredible full circle moment and KD is a part of that (as are Pop and that team a part of KD's journey wherein he set a new Olympic scoring record).

Mitch Johnson is around KD's age. But hardass CP3 who is older than both played for Mitch and praised him. Anyway, POBO Pop can always invite KD for a one on one to hash out a given issue over a bottle of wine.

Irving had a way worse rep and has settled in well in Dallas. So there are contexts in which it could work. Our young guys soaked up a lot of knowledge from CP. Maybe being in a role where he is looked to similarly as was CP is something that can work. Even just being around a hooper and watching his moves, how he prepares is beneficial for a young group.

All that said, we can't just be wearing rose coloured glasses. We know what we are getting with KD and I think Pop's familiarity (and Keldon's) with KD gives us some insight to it. That there's mutual interest hints that both sides are willing, knowing more what each is getting into.

And given that CP and KD got into some heated exchanges when we played the Suns last season, CP's likely UFA departure works in our favour here haha.

[KGDirkTD_Fan]

Am I the only one who has no idea what team makes sense to trade for KD? Established playoff teams aren't going to give up assets/cap space to bring him and young teams who need vets probably need different kind of vet.

I see folks mentioning teams like Spurs, Rockets and Magic and I can only say "why?".

Why is it hard to understand, especially if the price is right? We just watched HOU get eliminated because they couldn’t generate enough offense. SAS has Wemby on a rookie deal for 2 more seasons which gives them to flexibility to take on Durant and his contract. The Magic are one of worst offensive teams in the league and are at a point where they want to actually make noise on the playoffs. DEN (who probably doesn’t have the assets) is trying to compete with 2 inconsistent #2/3 options (Murray and Porter Jr).

For the vast majority of playoff teams KD is an upgrade as a 2nd option (and probably as a 1st option for many too). The guy is still an elite scorer who doesn’t take anything off the table.

If Giannis doesn’t get moved KD is going to be the best player available on the trade market.

I understand why teams want Giannis. Every young team in the playoffs with assets should be calling the Bucks all off-season. I'm not on the side of everyone's favorite young players are worth some unlimited value and you should just run it back every year. Most of the young players people talk about here isn't going to be better than a top 5 player like Giannis.

However I'm not as convinced with KD. There's probably a small window where he's going to still be effective and the first part you mentioned about the right price is the most important part. It's either the right price or you might be buying into fools gold giving up too much for old KD. Either way I'm curious where he actually goes with all that said.

[DwayneSchintzus]

I really don't want him. My main reservations are his mopey attitude, his contract going forward and his health.

We need people we can count on. We need to continue to have Wemby using possessions, not an over-the-hill star. We need to prioritize the development of younger players like Harper, Castle, etc.

If he comes, I'll get on board. But I'd rather not.

[Saints14]

If they can get KD without giving up Wemby, Castle, Fox, #2 or a bunch of future picks I wouldn't hate it. They're in a similar position to the Thunder a few years ago where their team will get expensive in a few years but isn't yet because their core is locked into rookie contracts. Might as well use the cap space if you think Durant can age into a quality starter for the next few seasons