Kevin Durant’s next move could reshape the Western Conference, and there’s a compelling buzz building around Los Angeles. With the Phoenix Suns exploring trade options and KD reportedly eyeing San Antonio, Houston, Miami, and possibly the L.A. Clippers, word is spreading that L.A.’s blue-chip duo of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden could add another superstar to the mix in this trade idea.
After near-miss assemblies in past summers, a fresh opportunity to form a true ‘Big Three’ may finally be within reach, and it involves an interesting reunion between Kevin Durant and James Harden. The Clippers have shown elite-level performance recently, winning 50+ games and securing a Pacific Division title behind Kawhi, Harden, and elite coach Tyronn Lue.
However, bringing in Durant would ignite their offense even further, layering in his unparalleled three-level scoring and playoff experience. But a successful counteroffer will require navigating salary constraints and offering the Suns value.
In this piece, we’ll introduce a blockbuster trade scenario that puts Durant on the Clippers, analyze the pros and cons for both franchises, and evaluate whether this could be L.A.’s final best shot at a championship run. Let’s break it all down.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, 2026 second-round pick (MEM), 2031 first-round pick (LAC)
Clippers Form A Big Three That Will Place Them Among The Top 4 In The West
Acquiring Kevin Durant instantly elevates the Clippers into championship conversation, forming a powerhouse three-headed monster alongside stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. LA’s current core, Leonard (former Defensive Player of the Year) and Harden (former MVP), has taken them to consecutive 50-win seasons.
Adding Durant, who averaged 26.6 PPG on .527/.430/.839 shooting splits with 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks this season, gives the Clippers an all-time elite offensive trio capable of rivaling any in the league. His presence forces opponents to stretch their defense, creating easier drives for Harden or open catch-and-shoot looks for role players.
Coach Tyronn Lue, who has experience with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in Cleveland, knows how to manage rosters with multiple ball-dominant stars, a potential edge for LA. The proposed package, Zubac, Powell, a 2026 second-rounder, and a 2031 first-rounder, strikes a balance between winning now and planning for the future. While KD is 36 and approaching decline, the upside, an inside-out superstar fusion, makes this trade the Clippers' best shot at serious title contention.
Suns Recoup Two Starters Around Devin Booker And Gain Future Assets
For Phoenix, the proposed return of Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, and future picks offers a reset around Devin Booker. Zubac provides much-needed interior presence; he averaged a career year and would address Phoenix's long-standing issues with rim protection.
Powell adds instant scoring punch as a proven 20-point-per-game contributor, including standout performances like a 41‑point outburst this season. This package helps Phoenix recover flexibility: Powell’s expiring deal ($20,482,758 in 2025-26) provides cap relief, and the draft assets, a 2026 second-rounder from Memphis and a 2031 Clippers first-rounder, lay groundwork for future retooling.
With the franchise entering its fourth coaching cycle in as many years and capped into large contracts, shedding Durant’s salary while bringing in rotation and picks helps realign their timeline. Most importantly, this seismic shift reframes Phoenix’s core.
Pairing Booker with Zubac and Powell, both efficient, basketball-savvy veterans, provides a balanced foundation of shooting, defense, and leadership. It's not a quick return to Finals contention, but it gives the Suns breathing room for a smarter rebuild and better roster construction.
A Blockbuster Trade Idea That Makes Sense For Both Sides
This trade perfectly balances both franchises’ priorities. The Clippers gain a generational scorer to complement Leonard and Harden, transforming them into title contenders. KD’s fit alongside Lue’s system, and LA’s shooting-focused supporting cast seems almost cinematic in its potential.
Phoenix, on the other hand, moves entrenched payroll for functional assets: a defensive anchor in Zubac, floor-spacing in Powell, and long-dated picks that restore strategic flexibility. Those picks, while distant, provide peace of mind in an uncertain free-agent market, exactly what the Suns need after mortgaging much of their future on Durant.
In short, this deal gives LA its best shot at a championship window without gutting continuity, while giving Phoenix clarity and room to rebuild smart. It may not match Brooklyn's legendary package for Durant in 2023, but these are tough trade winds in a changed landscape, and this one sails smoothly for both sides.
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