Kevin Durant is not having the season he expected to have with the Phoenix Suns this year. Despite his individual brilliance averaging 30.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, Durant is seemingly frustrated with the Phoenix Suns and the way the season has gone. His body language has been eye-opening so far because an unhappy star is easy to identify.
Luckily for him, there could be a way out and that comes courtesy of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant was the superhero for the franchise for eight seasons, leading them to the 2012 NBA Finals and becoming the player we know today. However, his departure to the Golden State Warriors might have hurt the love for him but Thunder fans might welcome him back if it means elevating the team to title contention.
The Thunder have over-performed this season thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, and welcoming back Durant could be a full-circle relationship that could work for both sides. There is a proposed trade on the table that will send Kevin Durant to the Oklahoma City Thunder and completely change the NBA landscape.
Trade Details
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort, Davis Bertans, Cason Wallace, 2024 First-Round Pick 1-4 Protected (HOU), 2024 First-Round Pick (LAC), 2025 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2027 First-Round Pick (DEN)
This trade will completely alter the landscape of the Western Conference and as crazy as it might sound, it is a possible deal that can be made since the Oklahoma City Thunder have been accumulating first-round picks since the 2019-20 campaign. At one point, the Thunder had over 30 first-round picks and they could make a move for Kevin Durant in a trade that actually works for both teams involved.
Oklahoma City Thunder Can Win The West This Season
In a blockbuster trade that can send shockwaves throughout the NBA, the Oklahoma City Thunder can acquire the services of the legendary Kevin Durant, reuniting the former Thunder star with his roots. Despite the Thunder’s surprising 19-9 start, the addition of Durant brings a level of championship experience and offensive prowess that can elevate the team to new heights. With superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.0 PPG) and Rookie of the Year candidate Chet Holmgren (17.3 PPG) already leading the charge, Durant’s arrival can form a formidable Big Three that is sure to strike fear into opponents.
Durant’s return to Oklahoma City not only signifies a reunion with the franchise that drafted him No. 2 overall in the 2007 NBA Draft but also presents a unique opportunity for him to solidify his legacy as one of the all-time greats. The Thunder’s current offensive prowess, ranking 5th in the league, will only be enhanced by Durant’s scoring ability, providing the team with a lethal offensive trio. Gilgeous-Alexander’s playmaking, Holmgren’s versatility, and Durant’s scoring touch create a three-headed monster that few teams can match up against.
The Thunder’s young core has shown immense promise, but Durant’s veteran leadership and playoff experience are invaluable assets that can guide the team through the rigors of the postseason. With only one Finals appearance and a loss to his name during his previous stint with the Thunder, Durant has a golden opportunity to rewrite history and deliver an NBA title to a city that still holds him in high regard.
By embracing the role of the savior for the Thunder, Durant has the chance to prove that he can win outside of Golden State and solidify his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Even if Durant is destined for the Hall of Fame, winning a title with Oklahoma City would be one of the greatest stories in NBA history.
Phoenix Adds Depth And Assets Around Devin Booker And Bradley Beal
In a move aimed at bolstering depth and adding valuable assets around their dynamic duo of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, the Phoenix Suns can part ways with Kevin Durant. While Durant’s presence undoubtedly provided scoring punch, the Suns recognized the need to fortify their bench and diversify their roster beyond the starting five. The acquisition of young talents like Josh Giddey, a skilled playmaker who can serve as an official point guard (11.7 PPG, 4.4 APG) and the two-way prowess of Luguentz Dort (11.3 PPG on 42.9% 3-PT FG) addresses the Suns’ requirement for depth.
Davis Bertans, known for his sharpshooting ability (career 39.8% 3-PT FG), brings a valuable three-point threat off the bench. Cason Wallace (6.8 PPG), a 20-year-old rookie shooting guard standing at 6’4″, adds youth and potential to the mix. Beyond the immediate impact of these players, the inclusion of future draft picks provides the Suns with the flexibility to continue building around their star tandem. With Bertans having a player option worth $16 million for the next season but becoming a free agent thereafter, the Suns gain financial flexibility as well.
Considering Durant’s age at 34, the decision to move him for a package of players and picks aligns with the Suns’ long-term vision. Rather than relying solely on their star power, the Suns are strategically enhancing their roster to compete at a high level because a top-heavy roster has hardly worked in the NBA’s past.
Kevin Durant Gets A Chance To Boost His Legacy By Winning With The Thunder
In a trade that seemingly benefits both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns, the potential outcomes for each team are easy to see. For the Thunder, the addition of Kevin Durant injects a proven championship-caliber player into a young and thriving roster. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s explosive scoring and Chet Holmgren’s emerging talent, Durant’s return to the Thunder creates a formidable Big Three that has the potential to make a serious run in the Western Conference this season. The move not only bolsters their chances for immediate success but also allows Durant to rewrite his legacy by leading a team that drafted him to the pinnacle of the NBA.
On the other side of the trade, the Phoenix Suns strategically build depth around their existing stars, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. By acquiring Josh Giddey’s playmaking skills, Luguentz Dort’s two-way abilities, Davis Bertans’ sharpshooting, and the promising young Cason Wallace, the Suns add a mix of talent and youth to complement their star-studded starting lineup. The inclusion of draft picks further enhances their flexibility for future roster moves.
For Durant, the chance to bring a championship to the city where he first rose to superstardom adds an intriguing chapter to his storied career. While he achieved success with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018, leading the Thunder to a title would solidify his status as one of the game’s all-time greats and showcase his ability to win outside of the Bay Area. While it would be great for the player, it would be one incredible full-circle story to talk about for decades to come.
