Following a Shams Charania appearance on Pat McAfee Tuesday morning, rumors of a Kevin Durant trade to the San Antonio Spurs have started to swirl. The ESPN insider stated, “There was mutual interest between the Spurs and Kevin Durant at the trade deadline.” It was unclear if the Spurs had any activity around Durant at the trade deadline this season, but any doubts about the Spurs’ interest have been erased. As the 15-time All-Star prepares to hit the trade market this offseason, the Spurs seem to be right in the thick of things. Let’s dive into this exciting possibility.
Should the Spurs Consider a Kevin Durant trade?
Even at his old age, Durant is still an unguardable bucket-getter. This season, Durant was once again an All-Star, averaging 26.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. The Slim Reaper continues to pile up the accolades and embarrass his defenders. Victor Wembanyama has drawn comparisons to Durant for his prowess off the dribble at his size, and would now get the chance to suit up next to him. The pair would terrorize the NBA and rain buckets all day long.
Durant would give the Spurs a reliable outside shooting option and yet another on-ball creator in a deep and versatile offense. As the power forward position is the lone gap in the Spurs’ current starting lineup, Durant would fill right in to create a dominant starting offense. With a similarly alien-like size to Wembanyama, Durant would assist in the Spurs’ lacking defense and would be a threat on the glass. It’s difficult to have any concerns about this marriage. However, when the cost is factored in, eyebrows are raised.
A Trade Will Take a Sacrifice
While he won’t garner the same massive package he did in 2023, Durant will not be cheap. In this win-now scenario, the general manager Brian Wright will have to give up a haul to receive the talents of Durant.
Fortunately, the Spurs are oozing with trade assets. While the Spurs’ lucky nab at the second overall pick seems to be off the table, the Suns will most certainly be eyeing the Spurs’ 14th overall pick. If the 14th pick isn’t enough to pry Durant away, the Spurs hold onto a pair of Atlanta Hawks first-round picks that could tempt Suns’ newest general manager Brian Gregory.
In addition, Wright and his team must include a collection of the Spurs’ depth pieces. At their disposal, names such as Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, or Harrison Barnes will need to be a part of the package to match Durant’s monster contract.
Is it Worth it?
To make this deal happen, the Spurs will be uprooting their depth. As we have seen so often, trying to build a superstar lineup without depth has not fared well come playoff time. The Spurs will need some impactful bench contributors if they want to make a run this upcoming season. Letting go of them in a Durant trade would be a considerable risk.
Durant himself is currently on a deprived roster, leading him to an inevitable outing. The Spurs cannot afford a collapse so quickly into their rise to the top. Wembanyama and the rest of the core are still in their glory days; it may be too soon to release that for a slight chance at a championship.
Additionally, Durant’s near $50 million annual contract will muddy up the Spurs’ plans to attack free agency. While the backcourt of the future is set and Wembanyama is on board, Wright is expected and willing to make further moves. Durant’s contract will put a halt to that goal.
With the Spurs foundation in mind, it will be difficult to spread the wealth amongst the hungry eaters in the lineup. Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, and the likely insertion of rookie Dylan Harper will all want the ball in their hands. It would be malpractice to subject Durant to an off-ball role; he is too good for that. While the prospects of a Spurs-Kevin Durant pairing are fun and exciting, the logistics do not follow suit.
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