This summer is shaping up to be a hot one in the NBA, as rumors swirl about Kevin Durant potentially parting ways with the Phoenix Suns. Before the trade deadline, reports suggested the Suns had laid the groundwork for a deal that would send Durant back to the Golden State Warriors.
However, Kevin Durant dismissed those rumors, saying that while an offseason trade could be considered, he has no interest in being traded midseason.
Although Kevin Durant’s next destination remains uncertain, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins believes he could be the key to reviving the struggling Dallas Mavericks. The team has faced mounting criticism, with fans chanting “Fire Nico” during a recent 112–97 blowout loss to the Lakers, targeting GM Nico Harrison for the team’s woes.
On NBA Today last Thursday, Perkins proposed a bold move for Dallas: “You know how they can make it right? As soon as the season is over, you go out and get Kevin Durant. That’s how you make it right.”
Perkins added that it wouldn’t be difficult for the Mavs to land Kevin Durant, as he believes they have the assets to acquire him—despite his hefty $54.7 million salary for next season.
The Big Three That Almost Was: Kevin Durant’s botched trio in Dallas
Ahead of February’s trade deadline, Kevin Durant was already a major subject of speculation. One scenario even had him joining forces with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis in Dallas—a trio that would’ve shaken up the league.
While the Suns were also exploring ways to move Bradley Beal and his no-trade clause to pursue Jimmy Butler, Durant’s trade buzz drew even more attention.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Mavericks weren’t done chasing stars after acquiring Anthony Davis from the Lakers. Amick reported that GM Nico Harrison “had dreams of adding Durant to their Davis–Kyrie Irving–led group.”
Durant’s long-standing relationship with Nike—a company where Harrison was once a top executive—adds another layer of intrigue, potentially giving Dallas an inside track.
Though the Mavericks fell short of bringing KD to the American Airlines Center before the deadline, the possibility of revisiting the deal this offseason remains alive. If Dallas can pull it off, they might just turn a franchise in crisis into a true contender.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
