(Photo : Michael Reaves/Getty Images) CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – Kevin Durant (#35) and head coach Frank Vogel of the Phoenix Suns look on against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on November 08, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.
After getting swept in the first round of the playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kevin Durant’s future with the Phoenix Suns is not as clear as many may think.
The plan of pairing Durant with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal last offseason backfired, as the franchise’s thrifty goal of winning a championship through star collecting blew up right before them.
With Frank Vogel now out the door as head coach and Mike Budenholzer in, the Suns could look to make more changes. One in particular being a trade involving Kevin Durant.
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Durant Future in Phoenix?
Last season Kevin Durant remained consistent, averaging 27.1 points per game on 52.3% shooting from the field. It was one of the better seasons he has had since suffering the Achilles injury back when he was a member of the Golden State Warriors.
Following Phoenix’s postseason collapse, reports came out about Durant being unhappy with his role in the Suns’ offense.
Considering the Suns’ undesirable cap situation, Phoenix could only target talent via free agency through minimum-salary players and draft picks.
If Kevin Durant were to request a trade out of Phoenix, and/or if the franchise looks to move on from him, many teams around the league would certainly jump at the idea of adding the proven star.
Here are a few potential landing spots for Kevin Durant if he were to be traded this offseason.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers, known for their activity within recent years’ offseason moves, have positioned themselves as potential suitors in a Durant trade.
They have the cap space to take on Kevin Durant’s lofty contract, and they have the players and draft capital to make a move to acquire the star if he is made available.
The 76ers can try again to pair another former OKC star with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to help them become one of the teams to beat next season.
New York Knicks
A return to New York can be in the cards for the All-Star forward.
The New York Knicks have been positioning themselves to go after a big name player for years, stocking on draft picks and other assets in hopes of landing a true star.
Kevin Durant can be that guy.
The Knicks are a team that could possibly see themselves moving in after making some noise this season, appearing in the NBA Playoffs, only to be dismissed in the second round by crucial injuries throughout their roster.
Golden State Warriors
A reunion with the Golden State Warriors could happen as well.
The Warriors may not have the draft picks that a team like the Suns are looking for, however, they do have quite a few young role players.
Jonathan Kuminga has improved every season throughout his career since being drafted back in 2021. Brandin Podziemski proved to be a steal in the 2023 NBA Draft, and Moses Moody has also only gotten better as time passed.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have been in the thick of things over the last couple of years and, like the Knicks, are also looking to add another talented player to their roster.
The team has made the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023, but have come out empty handed through the last couple of tries.
By adding Kevin Durant, Miami’s championship winning hopes are instantly boosted.
The Heat could look to finally put themselves over the hump by adding Durant to their core of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Miami does have a roster overflowing with young unproven players that Phoenix may want to take a chance on in retooling their squad.
READ MORE: Suns Hire Mike Budenholzer to Become New Head Coach on Staggering Eight-Figure Contract
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