How trading Kevin Durant could actually help Phoenix Suns

The Suns are in a tough spot after the Timberwolves swept them out of the NBA Playoffs in the first round. 

Phoenix is deep into the second tax apron, limiting its ability to retool its roster in the summer. It also has little in the way of tradable assets. The club needs a major reset.

In a recent article for The Athletic, John Hollinger noted how trading Kevin Durant could be the Suns' best chance at easing its mounting pressure.

"Here’s one heretical angle to think about: Trading Durant to a cap room team for picks and a young player," Hollinger wrote. "It would get them out of salary-cap jail, resupply the player pipeline and still leave a decent team behind. They’re not getting four unprotected firsts back, but they can live to fight another day."

Durant will turn 36 before the 2024-25 season begins but is still among the best players in the NBA. This season, he averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and five assists, shooting 52.3% from the field and 41.3% from 3-point range. 

There would be a host of teams willing to acquire him via trade. Hollinger mentioned the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder as potential destinations for Durant.

"The obvious one, of course, would be to Oklahoma City for Josh Giddey and some other tchotchkes (Ousmane Dieng, Kenrich Williams and the 12th pick in the 2024 draft, perhaps?), but one can also envision a deal with Philadelphia (for Paul Reed, the 16th pick in the 2024 draft and an unprotected 2030 first) or Orlando (for Anthony Black, Jett Howard, the 18th pick in the 2024 draft and Orlando and Denver firsts in 2025). Detroit might be bat-crazy enough to want in on this too."

Durant would undoubtedly want to continue challenging for championships so a pact with the Pistons seems unlikely. The Magic, however, could play themselves into the discussion if they can overcome the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. But Returning to Oklahoma or teaming up with Joel Embiid are the most logical options. 

Trading Durant would be a tough blow for the Suns. His addition was supposed to put Phoenix over the top in their pursuit of an NBA title. Ridding of Durant could be the tipping point that helps them get back on track. 

If the Suns decide to trade him, they should do right by him and send him to a team where he can compete. Durant's legendary career is in the final stages, and he deserves that opportunity.