The Phoenix Suns have already been busy this offseason after a disaster of a regular season. They had likely hoped to improve upon last year's finish when they were swept out of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Instead, the Suns went in the other direction, finishing 36-46 and the No. 11 seed in the Western Conference, missing out on a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant dunks against Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George during a game at Wells Fargo Center. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant dunks against Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George during a game at Wells Fargo Center. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
New Kevin Durant trade favorite emerges
The Suns wasted little time firing Mike Budenholzer following the conclusion of the season. They've also installed Brian Gregory as the new general manager and moved James Jones into a senior advisory position.
With the general manager position taken care of, the Suns have started their search for a new head coach, as well as exploring avenues for a possible Kevin Durant trade.
According to the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook, there's a new favorite to land Durant if the Suns decide to trade the 15-time All-Star, a team the Suns should be familiar with: the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Following the NBA Playoffs last year, Durant and Anthony Edwards played together on Team USA and developed a friendship. Edwards grew up idolizing Durant and looks at him as a big brother and mentor.
It remains to be seen what a trade between the two would look like, particularly from Minnesota's side. They would have to come close toDurant's salary of $54.7 million he's scheduled to make next season.
The Suns are desperate to recoup some of the future assets they sent out for Durant and Bradley Beal. They'll likely look to honor Durant's wishes, but only to a point, considering he doesn't have a no-trade clause, so the decision will ultimately be up to the Suns.
The Rockets are close behind at +300 and could send Phoenix better promising young players like Jalen Green or Reed Sheppard in addition to a slew of draft picks.