The San Antonio Spurs have the assets to make a splashy trade this offseason, but Sunday's Grizzlies-Magic blockbuster trade might've changed their plan. Orlando sent Memphis four first-round picks and a first-round pick swap for Desmond Bane, leading many to wonder what Phoenix would fetch in a return for Kevin Durant.
On Saturday, ESPN reported that Durant's top three trade destinations are (in no particular order) San Antonio, Houston, and Miami. The Spurs could put together a package that would do more than catch the Suns' eye, but they also need to be careful about giving up too much for a player who will turn 37 before the season starts. Durant is an all-time great, but his best playing days are behind him.
Phoenix reportedly wants a package comparable to what it gave up for Durant in 2023 -- Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap. The Suns will be let down if a team isn't willing to offer that much for Durant, but on the other hand, the Grizzlies did receive a haul for Bane. Phoenix will use that deal to its advantage, or at least try to.
Desmond Bane trade could keep Spurs away from offseason splash
Bane will turn 27 later this month, so he's 10 years younger than Durant. He isn't the player that KD was at that age, but that doesn't mean Bane doesn't have value. Basketball fans learned last summer with the Mikal Bridges trade that a role player can fetch several first-round picks. It's all part of the new NBA world that we live in. It is yet to be seen if the Magic will regret giving up several first-round picks in their push to be at the top of a weak Eastern Conference.
The Spurs are in no rush to push their chips in for a player like KD, but it'd be nice to have him, as long as it's not for an exorbitant price. San Antonio took another leap toward contention when it traded for De'Aaron Fox before the deadline. Victor Wembanyama is already one of the top players in the league, prompting the front office to make win-now moves, such as the Fox trade. The Spurs don't need Durant, but hey, why not explore the interest since he's available?
If you've been crossing your fingers, hoping for Durant to land in San Antonio, it's best to prepare yourself mentally for the notification that he'll go elsewhere.