Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns could be dream partnership

By Melissa Rohlin
FOX Sports activities NBA Author

Hours earlier than NBA free company started, Kevin Durant turned the league the wrong way up by reportedly requesting to be traded from the Brooklyn Nets, a transfer that immediately made one of many high 5 gamers within the NBA accessible.

Now, many — if not all — of the 29 different groups within the league are scrambling to determine a viable commerce bundle to probably purchase the two-time champion, 12-time All-Star, two-time Finals MVP and former league MVP.

However there’s one place the place it makes essentially the most sense for him to land: Phoenix.

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Might you think about Durant taking part in alongside Chris Paul and Devin Booker? Durant’s silkiness, athleticism and measurement would completely complement Paul’s playmaking expertise and Booker’s taking pictures potential. Durant has already performed with each of them, profitable gold medals for Crew USA with Paul in 2012 and Booker in 2020. 

To not point out, Durant has a robust relationship with Suns coach Monty Williams, who was the affiliate head coach of the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder in 2015-16. Durant fought again tears when Williams’ spouse, Ingrid, was killed in a automobile accident in 2016, saying, “I simply love coach Monty a lot, man.” Over the previous six years, they have been vocal supporters of one another. 

Durant clearly sees the attract of becoming a member of the Suns, as he reportedly named Phoenix and Miami as his most popular locations, and the very best half is the Suns have the belongings to make a deal occur. 

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The Suns soured their relationship with free-agent middle Deandre Ayton by failing to supply him a five-year, $172.5 million max extension in October. Now that Ayton is a restricted free agent, they may use him as a centerpiece in a sign-and-trade for Durant.

They might additionally embrace Mikal Bridges of their bid. Bridges is among the high 3-and-D gamers within the league and not too long ago signed a four-year, $91 million extension with the Suns. And if that is nonetheless not sufficient, the Suns have the choice to sweeten the take care of a proficient position participant comparable to Jae Crowder, Landry Shamet, Dario Saric, Cam Payne, Cam Johnson or Torrey Craig.

It makes a lot sense for each events. The Suns would immediately turn out to be title contenders following a disappointing flameout within the second spherical of the playoffs this yr. The Nets would purchase some unbelievable, younger expertise with which to encompass Ben Simmons, a younger star himself.

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As for Durant, he has acquired infinite scrutiny with each transfer he has made within the NBA. When he left Oklahoma Metropolis for Golden State in 2016, he was accused of being a sellout. (When he performed in OKC for the primary time that season, he was ferociously booed and did not get a tribute video.) He has been mocked for leaving Golden State for the Nets in 2019, particularly after the Warriors received a championship this season.  

However after exhibiting loyalty to the Nets the previous three seasons, Durant has earned the appropriate to make this selection. He was the Nets’ pillar of consistency amid unrest, which included Kyrie Irving taking part in in solely 29 video games as a result of he refused to get vaccinated and James Harden forcing a commerce to the 76ers in February. Durant, in the meantime, poured his coronary heart out on the court docket night time after night time, averaging 29.9 factors and seven.4 rebounds final season.

Regardless of his Herculean efforts, the Nets, who entered the season as title favorites, flamed out within the first spherical of the playoffs. It is smart that Durant is disillusioned with the group. And it is time for him to go.

Now 33, he’s below contract via 2025-26 after signing a four-year, $198 million extension in 2021. If the Suns acquired him, they’d have a celebrity for primarily the remainder of his prime, who might take a big load off the 37-year-old Paul as he enters the twilight of his profession. Maybe Durant might even assist Paul lastly win a championship. 

This transfer would not be Durant leaping ship to an already established dynasty. It would not be him becoming a member of with Irving and Harden to create a hypothetical tremendous group that by no means reached its potential. If Durant can discover his technique to the Suns, the transfer can be considerably unspectacular, however oh so proper.

The factor about Durant is that he loves basketball greater than anything on the earth. That makes him an ideal match for the Suns, who’re all about constructing a tradition of appreciation for the sport. Considered one of Williams’ favourite mottos is “Basketball is a get to, not a acquired to.”

If Durant has made one factor abundantly clear, it is that he shares that very same credo. 

Durant taking part in out the final greatest years of his profession for a small-market group that has by no means received a championship can be a lovely flip. He might keep away from the distractions and pitfalls of a much bigger metropolis and concentrate on what means essentially the most to him. He might assist educate Paul and Booker what it takes to go all the way in which. He might lastly discover his residence.

After Durant has introduced a lot pleasure to so many who love this sport, this is hoping he finds his joyful place.

And this is guessing that is within the desert.

Melissa Rohlin is an NBA author for FOX Sports activities. She beforehand lined the league for Sports activities Illustrated, the Los Angeles Occasions, the Bay Space Information Group and the San Antonio Specific-Information. Comply with her on Twitter at @melissarohlin.

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