Kevin Durant's time as a Phoenix Sun is likely to come to an end. While rumors had been swirling about his time nearing an end as the season wound down, it's becoming clearer as the offseason approaches.
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Durant's days in Phoenix are numbered, and that could all be coming to an end this summer. The 37-year-old superstar is likely to be with a new team this upcoming season. Who that team will be is a mystery, but what isn't a mystery is the type of player they'd want in return for Durant.
According to Hardwood Paroxysm, the Suns would want a center in return for Durant.
"The Suns have indicated to teams that center is at a premium for them in any KD talks. He might stick around, but their biggest interest is in solving the center position, which has been a disaster since moving on from Ayton."
Additionally, the Suns have reportedly lowered their asking price for Durant.
The Athletic's Kelly Iko shared in his latest column.
"Phoenix is aggressive in pursuit of a) trading Kevin Durant and b) regaining full control of their draft capital starting with the No. 10 pick in next month's draft, team sources said. Since the conclusion of the season, Houston has fielded several calls from Phoenix, who have since gradually lowered their asking price for Durant, those sources said. There is a price where the Rockets would be interested, but with a fear of breaking up their roster for a 36-year-old coming off injury, doubt remains over a deal materializing."
Durant has sent the last two-plus seasons in Phoenix, and for the most part, it's been underwhelming.
Prior to the 2023 trade deadline, Durant was traded to Phoenix from the Brooklyn Nets in a massive haul. The Suns earned the fourth seed in the West but were eliminated in the second round by the eventual champions that season, the Denver Nuggets.
The following season, the Suns earned the sixth seed but were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. As for this past season, it was a nightmare.
While Durant was spectacular, as he has been his entire career, the Suns lacked cohesion and chemistry, despite having three of the top talents in the league. Phoenix is stuck in a rut, and at the end of the day, they may have no other option but to trade Durant and get as much back as they can.