Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report recently proposed a blockbuster trade idea that has sent shockwaves through NBA discussions. The hypothetical trade would involve the Cleveland Cavaliers acquiring Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for two of Cleveland’s rising stars, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
Trade Details
Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns receive: Darius Garland and Evan Mobley
In this proposed deal, the Cavaliers would address their long-standing need for a star wing player. Adding Durant, even at 36 years old, would instantly make Cleveland a formidable force in the Eastern Conference. Durant remains one of the league’s elite scorers, capable of playing both on and off the ball, which would complement the Cavaliers’ current star, Donovan Mitchell.
Together, Mitchell and Durant would create a devastating offensive duo, putting pressure on opposing defenses with their ability to score in various ways. This partnership would also allow Cleveland to maintain its size and defensive versatility, with Durant stepping in at the 4 spot while still providing the necessary spacing the Mobley-Jarrett Allen frontcourt has struggled to offer.
For the Phoenix Suns, this trade would provide them with an opportunity to retool their roster around younger players without sacrificing competitiveness. Over the last four seasons, Darius Garland has become one of the league’s premier young point guards.
His arrival in Phoenix would give the Suns a dynamic playmaker to run the offense alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Additionally, Garland’s scoring ability would add another layer to the Suns’ offense, making them a more unpredictable and dangerous team.
Evan Mobley, the 23-year-old rising star, would give Phoenix a cornerstone big man to build around. Mobley’s elite defensive skills, combined with his untapped offensive potential, could make him the perfect frontcourt partner for Booker. If the Suns can unlock Mobley’s perimeter game, he could become a devastating pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop player in Phoenix, extending the Suns’ competitive window for years to come.
The trade could be particularly enticing for both teams if their early-season performances aren’t meeting expectations. For Cleveland, Durant’s addition would instantly elevate their status as contenders, while Phoenix could ensure long-term competitiveness by acquiring two young stars to replace an aging Durant. The deal would not only benefit both franchises in the present but also offer Phoenix a path to continued success as their current stars age.
Although speculative, this proposed trade underscores how aggressive teams might need to be in pursuing championships and balancing short-term success with long-term potential.
The Cavaliers Should Welcome This Deal But The Suns Shouldn’t Even Think About This Trade
The proposed trade that would send Kevin Durant to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland and Evan Mobley might sound intriguing, but it’s a deal that the Phoenix Suns should steer clear of. While the Cavaliers would likely jump at the chance to add a player of Durant’s caliber, the Suns should not even entertain the idea of moving their future Hall of Famer, despite his age.
First and foremost, Durant remains one of the league’s elite players, even at 36 years old. His scoring, versatility, and experience in high-stakes situations make him invaluable to a Suns team that is in full “win-now” mode. Phoenix has built its current roster with championship aspirations, surrounding Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal with the tools necessary to make a deep playoff run.
Swapping Durant for younger assets, like Garland and Mobley, would shift the Suns’ timeline toward a long-term rebuild—something that does not align with their current strategy. Durant’s unique ability to take over games and his proven playoff success are essential for the Suns to contend for a title now, not years down the line.
Darius Garland and Evan Mobley are undoubtedly talented players with bright futures. Garland is one of the best young point guards in the league, and Mobley has the potential to become a star big man, particularly with his defensive prowess.
However, their development would take time, and they are not yet proven on the grandest stage. For a franchise like the Suns, time is a luxury they don’t have. Phoenix needs a player like Durant, who can deliver results immediately, rather than young talent that might take several years to reach their full potential.
On the other side of the deal, the Cleveland Cavaliers would likely leap at the opportunity to land Durant. The addition of a player like Durant would immediately elevate the Cavaliers into serious title contention. Pairing Durant with Donovan Mitchell would create one of the most dangerous offensive duos in the league.
The Cavaliers have been searching for an elite wing player, and Durant would fit perfectly into that role, providing scoring, shooting, and experience to a team looking to break through in the Eastern Conference. From Cleveland’s perspective, this trade would be a no-brainer.
However, even if both teams were theoretically interested, there are logistical issues that make the trade nearly impossible. The Suns are already operating under the NBA’s second salary apron, which imposes significant restrictions on roster construction.
Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams under the second apron cannot take back more players than they send out in trades. Therefore, a deal that sends two players (Garland and Mobley) to Phoenix for Durant would not be feasible unless significant adjustments were made, such as including additional players from Phoenix or engaging a third team to balance the trade.
While this trade might look appealing on paper for the Cavaliers, the Suns should not consider moving Durant. Phoenix is in win-now mode, and Durant is the player most capable of delivering a championship in the immediate future. Garland and Mobley are valuable assets, but they don’t align with the Suns’ current goals. The trade is also impractical due to salary cap restrictions, making it highly unlikely to happen.
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