The details of the SUNS ‘rebuilding plan have been revealed recently, with the SUNS reportedly in talks with several teams to trade star Kevin Durant before the trade deadline. However, Phoenix owners have made it clear that key player Devin Booker is not for sale, and Booker has promised to stay with the SUNS for the rest of his life.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reports that Durant surprised many by suddenly becoming the focus of trade talks just days before the trade deadline. The SUNS and Warriors engineered a trade that fell through after Durant said he wanted to return to his old team mid-season.
The SUNS have also discussed the framework of a potential Durant trade with the Timberwolves, Heat and Rockets, and the Knicks have also been mentioned as a potential next team, according to multiple sources. It is reported that the Rockets and the SUNS trade negotiations are initiated by the SUNS.
League sources say Durant and his agent and business partner Rich Kleiman will be consulted on any trade discussions involving him this summer. Durant has one season left on his contract and has the right to sign a two-year, $122 million extension with the team that acquired him, giving him a lot of say in how the trade goes.
According to Michael Scotto, the Timberwolves aggressively pursued Durant at the season’s trade deadline and are expected to discuss a deal for him again this summer. However, the Timberwolves were unwilling to release Edwards and McDaniels during negotiations before the deadline, while Randle and Divencenzo were discussed as trade chips.
Previously, Durant had publicly stated that his refusal to return to the Warriors had nothing to do with Draymond Green, and that he simply didn’t want to be traded mid-season. During an appearance on Drayim’s podcast, Durant revealed his intention to return to the Warriors. SUNS reporters have reported that the SUNS ‘ideal asking price for Durant is three first-round picks and a young player.
Where will Durant play next season? We don’t know yet. Durant has averaged 26.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 blocks in 53 regular-season games for the SUNS. And the future direction of the SUNS, the fans are also concerned.
