The Phoenix Suns would prefer to trade Kevin Durant before the upcoming NBA Draft, and it appears they have tempered their expectations for what the return might look like.
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line wrote on Saturday that the Suns are looking for “at least one meaningful selection” in the June 25 draft in return for Durant. That would seemingly suggest that Phoenix does not expect to get multiple first-round picks in return for their 15-time NBA All-Star.
The Suns gave up a massive haul when they acquired Durant from the Brooklyn Nets at the 2022-23 trade deadline. Phoenix traded Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder and four unprotected first-round picks for Durant. There was also a first-round pick swap in the deal.
According to Marc Stein, the Suns “know they won’t be able to come anywhere close” to recouping the assets they surrendered when they acquired Durant more than two years ago.
Though he continued to play at an elite level this season with 26.6 points per game, Durant will turn 37 in September. He is also on an expiring contract and set to make $54.7 million in the final year of his deal next season. Even with Durant being one of the best players in NBA history, teams will likely be hesitant to mortgage their futures for him given his age, contract situation and injury history.
The good news for Phoenix is that there are reportedly plenty of suitors for Durant. The talks appear to be down to three finalists, and there is at least one other team that could potentially make a late push to land Durant.
Most people expect a Durant trade to be completed sooner rather than later, so it would be a surprise if the two-time NBA Finals MVP remains with the Suns through the draft.
