The Phoenix Suns are set to redirect their efforts towards trading Kevin Durant before the NBA Draft. While the situation seemed to have settled, implying that the Suns would run it back with the 36-year-old, the organization has revitalized its efforts to move the forward, going so far as to reduce the asking price as well.
Durant's availability for trade garnered a lot of attention in the trade market. Teams such as the Houston Rockets, the San Antonio Spurs, and even the New York Knicks looked like potential landing spots. However, many teams backed away from any deal, listing his age as a major obstacle.
At 36 years old, the Suns forward is entering the final stages of his career. But this hasn't necessarily diminished his productivity.
The 15x All-Star recorded an average of 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in the 2024-25 season. To make his accomplishments even more impressive, he did this on shooting splits of 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from beyond the arc.
The Suns' desperation is telling. While they are willing to reduce their demands for Durant, however, Phoenix is reported to have shared what they expect in return for their star. As per Action Network's Matt Moore, the Suns will look to receive a center to help address the problems the franchise has faced with the position since Deandre Ayton's departure.
With this approach in mind, we take a look at five players who would be ideal for the Suns in helping them fulfill their offseason plans.
The Suns Could Make A Play For New York's Big Man
New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Deal
Phoenix Suns Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
New York Knicks Receive: Kevin Durant
For the Suns, the acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns immediately resets their franchise's direction. Towns showed a different side to him this season. His performances in the regular season and the playoffs were of huge benefit to the Knicks, who even reached the ECF for the first time in 25 years.
Towns recorded an average of 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. Widely considered one of the best shooting bigs in the game today, the 29-year-old would be a tremendous addition to the Suns' roster.
Having played next to the likes of a star like Jalen Brunson, Towns displayed his ability to coexist and thrive when paired with a star. In Phoenix, a potential pairing of Devin Booker with the Knicks' big man could prove to be quite potent.
Although the Knicks are seeing major personnel changes, they still feature a versatile roster. While a new system could see Durant in a variety of different rotations, his flexibility as a player also allows him to seamlessly transition into the role he is placed in. But, a perimeter lineup with Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, with Durant poses to be a lethal one for any opposing defense.
Rockets Center Would Thrive In Phoenix
May 2, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter of game six of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center.
May 2, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter of game six of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center.
Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Phoenix Suns: Alperen Sengun, Dillon Brooks, 2027 first-round pick (swap rights), 2030 first-round pick
A potential trade with the Rockets has always been on the cards. Houston has been the team that has displayed the most interest in trading for Durant; hence, a package involving their star center, Alperen Sengun, would help the team complete this move.
Sengun could be the most ideal addition to the Phoenix Suns roster. At $33.9 million, with five years left on his contract, the Turkish big man perfectly falls in the Suns' timeline for the future. A pairing of him and Booker makes for a dynamic and lethal one-two punch.
Sengun had himself a terrific 2024-25 season. In the process of leading the Rockets to the No. 2 seed with a 52-30 record, he notched an average of 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. He also shot 49.6% from the field during this period.
Although the Rockets saw a disappointing end to their playoff run, sparking the need for reinforcements, Sengun was one of their best players during this time. At 22 years old, he boasts a lot of room to develop as a star, and a move of this nature could help Phoenix structure the rest of their offseason plans as well.
Additionally, the Suns would also acquire a solid 3-and-D veteran in Dillon Brooks. Although the negative press Brooks receives could be a distraction, he remains a key contributor, having averaged 14.0 points and 3.7 rebounds on 39.7% shooting from three-point territory.
Although Sengun's departure would have an impact on the team, Durant's presence helps bolster Houston's overall offensive firepower. While additionally factoring in the development of Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and Jalen Green, the Rockets could be one of the most entertaining teams to watch next season.
The Suns Could Acquire Athletic Big Man Out Of Detroit
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) celebrates after he dunks in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Little Caesars Arena.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) celebrates after he dunks in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Little Caesars Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris, Ronald Holland II, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
Another place that the Suns could look to trade with is the Detroit Pistons. Although they were knocked out in the first round, they boast massive potential, particularly owing to the presence of their big man, Jalen Duren.
The acquisition of Duren could be huge for the Suns. Duren is a defensive-minded center who possesses impressive athletic ability. His averages of 11.8 points and 10.3 rebounds on an efficient 69.2% FG make him a viable piece for development.
In many ways, Duren fills the role of Ayton. Although featuring a different play style, the 21-year-old has a lot of potential and could very likely establish himself as a key player for the team.
Additionally, the Suns would also acquire a savvy offensive player in Tobias Harris, who will be an expiring contract, as well as Ronald Holland II.
The prize acquisition in this trade, along with Duren, would be the 2027, 2029, and 2031 first-round picks. These allow Phoenix to amass draft capital, giving them the flexibility to build in the future or trade for another superstar.
On the Pistons, Durant would thrive in a system driven by a rising star like Cade Cunningham. With Detroit on the rise in the East, the 36-year-old could very well be the missing piece in helping them navigate the challenges of the postseason.
The Suns Can Make A Play For Former 6MOTY
Dec 2, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) dribbles against the Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (7) in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Dec 2, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) dribbles against the Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (7) in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
© Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Phoenix Suns: Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, Mike Conley, 2028 first-round pick
Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin Durant
The Phoenix Suns could swing for the fences in an attempt to land Naz Reid from the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the process of doing so, they would also pair Wolves star Anthony Edwards with one of his idols in Durant.
Naz Reid has been one of the most sought-after players in the offseason. After expressing the likelihood to test free agency by opting out of his contract, Reid has garnered a lot of attention.
Reid currently has a player option that would see him earn roughly $15 million. His decision to opt out makes it possible for him to seek a new contract worth way more, potentially in the $100 million range. His averages of 14.2 points and 6.0 rebounds on 46.2% shooting from the field and 37.9% shooting from beyond the arc certainly demand this.
The Suns would only be able to acquire Reid via a sign-and-trade deal, requiring the Wolves to add Donte DiVincenzo and Mike Conley to the deal along with the 2028 first-round pick. The addition of the Wolves' guards would go a long way in strengthening Phoenix's overall backcourt depth.
Meanwhile, the star pairing of Edwards and Durant could signal trouble for the rest of the league. With two immensely gifted offensive players running the court, the Wolves could see drastic improvements in output.
Phoenix Could Pry Big Man Away From Miami
Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) shoots in the first quarter of game two of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) shoots in the first quarter of game two of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Phoenix Suns Receive: Bam Adebayo, Nikola Jovic, 2029 first-round pick
Miami Heat Receive: Kevin Durant
The Phoenix Suns could see a complete change in their play style if they can manage to acquire Bam Adebayo from the Miami Heat. The Heat big man has displayed immense two-way potential, and at age 27, he is on the verge of entering his prime.
Adebayo is one of the most gifted defensive big men in the league. Although he is undersized, he makes use of his strength and agility to compensate for it. His defensive senses have also helped him become the anchor of Miami's defense, while also shoring up their rebounding efforts.
Adebayo recorded averages of 18.1 points and 9.6 rebounds per game in the regular season. This, paired with his ability to score from three levels, also makes him a solid replacement for Ayton.
Along with Adebayo, the Suns would also acquire a sharpshooting forward in Nikola Jovic, who boasts a lot of upside at only 21 years old. With an average of 10.7 points and 3.9 rebounds last season, Jovic also notched shooting splits of 45.6% from the field and 37.1% from beyond the arc. In this regard, the 2029 pick only helps to sweeten the deal for the Suns.
Durant, in Miami, could be a terror. The Heat have already indicated that there will be changes. With Kel'el Ware stepping in for Adebayo, a frontcourt trio featuring him, Durant, and Wiggins boasts a lot of length. While Durant's addition wouldn't transform the team into title favorites, they would certainly become more competitive.
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