Prolific scoring forward for the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant. He now suddenly finds himself at the center of trade discussions as the NBA landscape changes dramatically. What Durant has done over the past three seasons is nothing short of remarkable. He’s carried Detroit’s offense with impressive per game averages of at least 25 points, 50% shooting from the field, and 40% on threes. His performance throughout 2020 has helped cement his status as one of the league’s elite players. Since then, uncertainty has surrounded his future with the Suns.
Durant next year will play on an expiring $54.7 million dollar deal in 2025-26. The Suns have ruled out no player in ongoing trade discussions as they pursue all opportunities that would benefit the franchise long-term. This might even include a willingness to trade Durant to the team he least wants to be traded to. Specifically, he’s expressed admiration for organizations such as the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets. On the flip side, the Suns’ front office is hell-bent on bettering their return.
Durant’s performance continues to break through the ambient drama, trade talks and all. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists on a per-game basis over 62 games this season. This accomplishment is his 15 times’ time to start from the All-Star Game. His scoring average of 26.8 points per game with the Suns on their own is fantastic. It serves as the peak in the franchise’s 30 year history. Durant excelled in shooting categories, leading the NBA with 49.7% on jumpers and 53.1% on midrange shots this season.
If it happens, Durant would be in a good place financially. If he is patient six months after the trade, he would be able to sign a two-year extension. That extension will be worth upwards of $124 million come July 6th. This stakes of this potential for a long-term, lucrative contract allegedly placing an exciting subplot to the continuing drama about his future.
In February 2023, Durant was traded in a blockbuster trade to the Phoenix Suns. He just marked his 37th birthday this last September. Prior to this season, trade speculation surrounded him when he was repeatedly mentioned as a likely candidate to return to the Golden State Warriors. That hype just grew as the February trade deadline drew closer. Durant reiterated that he has zero desire to reunite with the Warriors. He would like to extend his stay with the Suns.
As the league anticipates further developments regarding Durant’s status, fans and analysts alike are keenly watching how this saga unfolds. The Suns’ stated commitment to pursuing any pathway that is best for their organization produces a complicating factor to the story. As trade negotiations are progressing, we’re excited to see what happens with Durant’s future. This could be the most important decision of his Hall of Fame legendary career.
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