The Kevin Durant trade saga has seen major developments over the last few days. With the NBA Draft just over a week away, the chatter surrounding potential deals has increased significantly. And although the San Antonio Spurs were favored to land Durant in a trade, the Phoenix Suns are said to have rejected the Spurs’ latest offer.
As per Sports Illustrated’s Shadab Khan, the Spurs presented a counteroffer to the Suns for Durant. The trade package featured Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, the No. 14 pick, and second-round draft capital.
While this aligns with an expected trade proposal, it appears that the Suns are not interested in such a deal, demanding Stephon Castle or Jeremy Sochan instead.
The Spurs’ counteroffer was in response to the Suns’ initial demand for Vassell, Sochan, Barnes, the No. 14 pick, along with two first-rounders. Needless to say, the Spurs had to reject this.
San Antonio has made it abundantly clear that they are unwilling to part ways with Castle or Sochan, both of whom have become integral players in the Spurs’ plans. While also considering that Castle won the ROTY award, San Antonio would be very mindful in tracking his development, making him a very difficult asset to pry away.
This rejection could have major implications in the overall scheme of things. While Durant and San Antonio had a mutual interest in joining forces, it seems difficult to formulate a trade if the Suns don’t receive enough picks and young players in return.
The asking price for Durant has been a matter of concern for a while. Although the Suns have been put into a desperate situation, considering their legitimate intention to trade him, Phoenix may still be asking for too much in return.
Regardless, stagnation in trade talks with the Spurs creates opportunities for other teams to pursue Durant. Several teams have also emerged as likely suitors.
The Houston Rockets have been viewed as the most likely landing spot in recent times. With the likelihood of Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. being included in the trade, the Suns may view such a package as favorable as well.
Meanwhile, there is some indication that a couple of dark-horse teams may also be lurking amidst trade rumors. Marc Stein presented the Toronto Raptors as a team to look at to make a move.
The Raptors are expected to view Durant as a “rental”, with no intention of extending him, a similar deal to Kawhi Leonard’s in 2018. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has also presented the Los Angeles Clippers as a potential landing spot, paving the way for a reunion with Durant’s former teammate James Harden.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have also been cited as a team to keep an eye on in these dealings. However, the Wolves have also made some restrictions clear, ensuring that Jaden McDaniels will be kept out of any trade talks involving Durant.
The nature of the situation lends itself to some obstacles, preventing an actual deal from happening any time soon. But given the time crunch, with the NBA Draft around the corner, the notion that Durant will be traded before or on the night of the draft seems to be gaining more traction.
