While the NBA playoffs are still in full swing, many other teams are now preparing for a pivotal offseason to help turn their franchises around.
One team that fits this is the Phoenix Suns who have a ton of key decisions to make this summer regarding their roster after their terrible season.
Phoenix finished 11th in the Western Conference standings this season with an abysmal 36-46 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign.
This was a disappointing season for Phoenix who was expected to be a top team in the West thanks to their superstar trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Now the Suns enter the offseason with some crucial decisions to make, one of which is the possibility of moving on from Durant like many expect them to do.
Of course, there have been many teams linked to Durant such as the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves, but Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey has predicted Phoenix to trade him back to the Golden State Warriors this summer.
In the trade, Bailey has Durant headed back to Golden State while the Warriors send Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski and a 2027 first-round pick to Phoenix.
This would be a bold move for the Warriors to make as they would be sending three of their key young players to Phoenix for an aging veteran in Durant, though he could make them into a title contender next to Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30), Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35)
Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30), Suns forward Kevin Durant (35)
© John Hefti-Imagn Images
For the Suns, this would be a perfect trade for them as they would receive three young players with a ton of potential along with Hield who would help them improve their three-point shooting.
Of course, the headliner from the trade for Phoenix is Kuminga, who could fit in well in the starting lineup next to Booker as the second option as he would finally receive a chance to play major minutes.
Nov 10, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) runs down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Nov 10, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) runs down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
While this trade would work well for the Suns, the Warriors may be unwilling to move on from their young players to land an aging Durant, especially after adding Butler at the trade deadline.