After an embarrassing first-round sweep, the Phoenix Suns are confronted with the harsh fact that the “Big 3” has become popular in today’s NBA.
With The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Doug Haller claiming that Kevin Durant was dissatisfied with his job in Phoenix, attention now moves to his future with the Suns. Will he request a move, or will James Jones revamp the roster, requiring the trade of one or two of their stars?
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report recommended a deal in which Durant could embark on his next chapter after suffering two first-round sweeps in the previous three seasons.
Bailey’s Proposed Trade:
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, a 2025 first-round pick (via Atlanta), a 2027 first-round pick (via Atlanta), a 2029 first-round pick and a 2030 first-round pick (via Dallas)
This move provides Durant and the Suns a new beginning.
Durant could teach Victor Wembanyama, who is like a supersized version of his younger self, while the Spurs try to make the playoffs.
Why Suns Should Consider Kevin Durant Trade
Durant will be 36 next season. With the way this season has unfolded in Phoenix, the Suns would be crazy to try again and expect the same results.
However, Bailey explained why the Suns should explore this trade:
This is another agreement that would provide Phoenix some financial freedom while also allowing it to reclaim draft assets.
And, while he’s certainly too old to be called a prospect, Keldon Johnson is still 11 years younger than Durant and a couple years shy of his prime. The Suns might turn him into a star (he averaged 22.0 points in 2022-23).
And, like Utah’s Collins, Zach Collins may be able to play well enough for a revitalized Suns team to be traded in a different transaction later.
Trading Durant would also need the Suns to maintain Bradley Beal (who has a no-trade clause) and Devin Booker, their longtime franchise player.
The picks they may receive in this hypothetical Durant trade, combined with their two first-round picks — No. 22 in this year’s draft and another in 2031 — could make the Suns a big participant in the search for a point guard and rim protector to balance out the Beal-Booker-Johnson-led roster.
Kevin Durant Unhappy With Suns’ Role
Durant felt underutilized in the Suns’ pick-and-roll strategies, according to The Athletic.
According to sources familiar with the situation, Durant was never satisfied with his role in Phoenix’s offense alongside Booker and Beal this season. According to those sources, Durant had ongoing issues with the offense, believing he was being relegated to the corner far too frequently and that the game was constructed around pick-and-rolls, which prevented him from playing to his strengths. At the same time, some teammates and those close to the organization believed Durant needed to express his concerns more forcefully and directly to Vogel and his coaching staff.
If Phoenix decides to keep Durant, they will most likely make changes to their coaching staff.
The Suns owed Monty Williams $21 million when he was sacked. Frank Vogel just completed the first season of a five-year, $31 million contract.
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