Clear signs have seemingly appeared regarding Kevin Durant’s future with the Phoenix Suns. Given reports that the Suns blindsided the 15-time All-Star by including his name in trade talks last month, Durant and the franchise are reportedly set to part ways this offseason.
However, the Suns reportedly set a hefty price for any team potentially interested in Durant. NBA insider Duane Rankin wrote in a piece published by The Arizona Republic this past weekend what Phoenix could be seeking in exchange for the superstar forward.
Rankin wrote, “Sources informed The Republic the most ideal return on a Durant trade is regaining three first-round picks and a young player as part of a multi-team deal tied to getting under the second apron.”
The Suns have a good reason to pursue draft capital, Rankin said, as they lack control over their first-round picks from 2024 to 2032. He also said that the team is above the NBA’s second tax apron, which limits their roster flexibility.
“The Suns ideally could take back $35 million in salary in any combination of players to save essentially $20 million and get under the second apron,” Rankin said.
Rankin identified the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs as possible trade destinations for Durant that “make sense,” given their first-round picks that could entice the Suns into negotiating with them.
Kevin Durant talks about how he wants to close his NBA career
Kevin Durant himself acknowledges that he is nearing the twilight of his NBA career, and he has already envisioned how he wants to contribute to the league in his later years.
Guesting on the Feb. 26 episode of “The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis,” Durant talked about how he sees his final days as an active NBA player.
“I wanna still be nice, I don’t want to hang around just to hang around,” Durant told Green and Davis. “I can come off the bench in a Jamal Crawford type of role.”
This season, Kevin Durant is averaging 26.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 37.1 minutes of average play time.
For more sports content:
Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for your NBA and college basketball reading fix. You can reach out to Dan Agulto through email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
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.
