Phoenix — The Phoenix Suns have a new perspective following one of the most disastrous seasons in NBA history.
The expected shake-up has already resulted in Mike Budenholzer’s resignation and Brian Gregory’s appointment to general manager; roster moves may be next for a team that has now gone through numerous seasons of turbulence.
Enter Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, who projected what would happen to the major talents mentioned in trade rumors in recent months over the summer, including Kevin Durant.
“The Suns must do something to overcome a disastrous 36-46 season in which they spent more than $350 million on roster and luxury-tax expenses. Trading Durant is likely the simplest way to shake things up,” Swartz explained.
Durant’s departure from Phoenix has felt inevitable since reports broke that the franchise was close to trading the megastar before the February deadline – now both sides may reach an agreement on their own terms.
“ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs all had interest in Durant at the trade deadline before Phoenix decided to keep the 15-time All-Star,” he said.
Swartz then canceled other franchises, either due to unforeseen circumstances or because the franchises were searching elsewhere for renovations.
“The Rockets and Spurs have the assets to pursue Durant, but both should prioritize younger players to develop alongside their cores. Durant will be 37 in September. After the Mikal Bridges trade, New York is short on draft picks and should not rush to shake up what has been a formidable starting five led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Numerous sites have challenged Houston’s genuine interest in Durant, while the Spurs may trade for Durant without giving up Victor Wembanyama or De’Aaron Fox.
The Knicks may make sense if their asset pool was bigger, but a general paucity of trade picks and an unwillingness to go with Karl-Anthony Towns make a deal doubtful.
Swartz believes that the elimination process has left two prime competitors in the race to obtain Durant.
“That leaves the Timberwolves and Heat as the most likely destinations, but one should be somewhat more desperate than the other. With Minnesota still in the playoffs and Miami eliminated in the first round, the Heat should have already contacted new Suns general manager Brian Gregory about getting Durant,” he claimed.
The Heat have a surprisingly strong group of fascinating talents, including Kel’el Ware and Nikola Jovic. Andrew Wiggins and Terry Rozier might be matching contracts that help the Suns remain competitive throughout the supposed’retool’; it also doesn’t hurt that the Heat have previously been on Durant’s radar.
Does Durant still want to play for Miami despite the franchise’s overall struggles this season? Does Pat Riley think a Durant/Bam Adebayo/Tyler Herro combination is a contender? Would the Heat voluntarily part with Ware?
There are many urgent questions involved in the process, but Miami may be the most eager to take a home run swing.
It is also worth noting that Swartz believes Devin Booker will sign an agreement with the Suns and stay with the team, which is widely anticipated in the coming weeks.
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