Suns’ Kevin Durant Trade Could Hinge on Eastern Conference Movement

It seemed like a foregone conclusion that when the season ended after missing the playoffs, the Phoenix Suns would move forward with a Kevin Durant trade. Reports were previously confirmed at the trade deadline; conversations were already happening with other teams, mainly the Golden State Warriors. Once the Suns were officially eliminated from postseason contention, the rumors further picked up steam that Durant’s time in Phoenix was all but over. It is still expected that Phoenix will make a trade. However, now that Giannis Antetokounmpo could be looking for his own trade, that development may cause a pause in Phoenix. 

Suns’ Kevin Durant Trade Could Hinge on Eastern Conference Movement

A Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant could be prolonged depending on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s situation

Several teams have been linked to KD throughout the 2024-25 season and presently. While the Warriors were once the number one prospect, the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs have also emerged as potential trade partners. Trading Durant results from an underperforming trio of him, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Playoff failure and unmet expectations sank the Suns’ ship. 

While it’s still likely that Phoenix will work out a trade for Durant, things could turn the other way, and Durant could remain. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, retaining Durant hasn’t been completely ruled out.

The other factor involved is what happens with Giannis, who, within the last two weeks, indicated he’s open to testing the waters of the NBA and leaving the Milwaukee Bucks. Of course, any departure from Milwaukee would involve a trade of massive proportions. Giannis has the floor right now, and the league, along with Phoenix, may have to sit and wait to see what plays out. Until then, Durant remains with the Suns. Who knows how that situation plays out, either? 

Retaining KD doesn’t move the needle in Phoenix

Suppose the development with Giannis somehow rocks the NBA to the degree that the Suns cannot trade Durant, or they decide they are better with him than without him. Recent history shows it hasn’t worked with Durant or Booker, and to a lesser degree, Beal. Having two players of Durant and Booker’s pedigree on the same team would form an unquestioned contender. That would be the expectation. Yet, Phoenix has been anything but a contender. Injuries have also played a part, and missed time has somewhat sabotaged the Suns’ contention.

Phoenix currently has no real way of getting better roster-wise. Their depth has been an issue for two seasons now. Since they have little to no draft assets, retooling their depth isn’t so easy. For Phoenix to get better as a franchise, trading Durant is the sacrifice they should make. Beal’s no-trade clause doesn’t help things, either. Why Phoenix is waiting for the Giannis shoe to drop makes sense. But if they plan to try to keep Durant and figure out how to make it work, that’s a risky move. Lately, risky moves haven’t worked in the Suns’ favor.

 

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